Coal mines in Jharia Coalfield date back to 1916 when the first incidence of fire was reported. Since then, a number of fires have occurred within the overburden debris. Prior to nationalization, these mines were privately owned and operated with a profit-driven approach and mining methods were unscientific with the least concern for safety, conservation, and the environment. This practice has resulted in severe land degradation, subsidence, coal mine fires, and other socio-environmental problems.
View More Jharia Master Plan: Coal Ministry Efforts Bring Down Surface Fire identified from 77 to 27 sites
