Q. What are the environmental challenges associated with mineral extraction in this Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh?

The mineral extraction activities in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh pose several environmental challenges. Let’s delve into these issues:

• Air Pollution:
  • Dust Emissions: Mining operations, especially open-cast mining, generate significant dust emissions. Blasting, drilling, loading, and crushing of ore release fine particulate matter (SPM and RSPM) into the air.
  • Health Hazards: High levels of suspended particulate matter can lead to respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and asthma, affecting the health of exposed populations.
• Water Contamination:
  • Groundwater Contamination: The possibility of leaching contaminants from ore material stored in open ground or from degraded ore material produced during mining processes can contaminate groundwater.
  • Alkaline Water: Mining activities alter the water regime, leading to alkaline groundwater in the study area.
• Land Degradation:
  • Overburden Removal: The removal of overburden during mining disrupts the landscape, leading to land degradation and loss of natural habitats.
  • Change in Land Use: Mining changes land use patterns, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Heavy Metal Pollution:
  • Metals Contamination: Metals like Cd, Mn, Pb, Cu, Fe, and Si concentrations exceed permissible limits at some places in different seasons. These metals can cause health hazards in the existing environment.
• Water Scarcity:
  • Mining activities alter the water regime, leading to a reduction in overall water availability in and around mining areas.
  • Water scarcity affects both human populations and ecosystems.
• Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity:
  • Mining operations often require the removal of forests, leading to deforestation and habitat loss for wildlife.
  • Biodiversity is adversely affected due to habitat destruction.

In summary, mineral extraction in the Bundelkhand region has significant environmental consequences, including air and water pollution, land degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable mining practices and effective environmental management strategies.