COAL MINING

The British Indian government tasked the Bengal Nagpur Railway with developing rail networks in Eastern and Central India. In 1900, while digging in Jharsuguda, now an Odisha district, its workers discovered large coal deposits. Nine years later, Jharsuguda's first coal mine was established, and a century later, the region was producing more than 15 million tonnes of coal per year.

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Source: The Hindu

Context

A new study discovered that plants with one gram of mining dust on their leaves absorbed approximately 2-3 grams less carbon per square metre.

How does coal mining dust affect the plants?

Reduced Carbon Uptake: Plants with mining dust on their leaves absorb 2-3 grams less carbon per square meter than dust-free plants, potentially contributing to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and exacerbating global warming over time.
Impact on Plant Health: Dust on leaves obstructs the stomata, reducing photosynthesis and water vapor release.
This reduction in transpiration can cause plants to overheat, resulting in stunted growth, plant death, and damage to local ecosystems.
Respiratory Risks: Open-cast mining pollutes the air with dust from blasting, drilling, and transportation, posing serious respiratory risks.

Carbon Absorption	- Mining dust reduces carbon absorption by 2–3 grams/m² of leaf area. - Leads to higher atmospheric CO₂, contributing to global warming.
Transpiration	- Dust clogs stomata, reducing transpiration. - Impairs temperature regulation in plants, causing stunted growth or death.
Ecological Damage	- Long-term effects on ecosystems due to reduced carbon absorption and poor transpiration. - Affects biodiversity and climate regulation.