SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF COAL MINING: A STUDY IN MOLUNGKIMONG VILLAGE, NAGALAND

Abstract

Traditionally, tribal people share a symbiotic relationship with nature, i.e., land, water, forest, etc. They maintain a harmonious relationship with nature with a conscious effort of needs-based exploitation of natural resources in a sustainable manner. However, due to the cultural contact with the nontribal population and increased exposure to the market economy, tribal people’s perception of their natural habitat has changed. The influx of ‘modern’ occupations and technologies among the indigenous tribal communities leads to the commercial exploitation of their natural resources. Tribal people have become more flexible in adapting to modern occupations, thus moving away from indigenous knowledge systems. However, it has both positive and negative implications among the indigenous communities. Coal mining is one economic activity in states like Nagaland, introduced in the era of modernisation and globalisation. As a result of emerging livelihood opportunities in the coal mining activity, it has been found that an increasing number of tribal people are entering into the coal mining activity. This paper is based on an empirical study conducted in Molungkimong village under Mokokchung district, Nagaland. The study used essential tools and techniques of data collection through personal interviews, observation and focus group discussions. This paper explains the socio-economic impact of coal mining in terms of employment, land disputes, the role of women, health and ecological consequences in terms of decline in the fertility of agricultural land, water contamination, and loss of aquatic creatures in the local habitat.