Institute of Environment and Development Studies, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi - 284 128, UP, India.
This paper examines the Environmental impact of Granite mining in Jhansi (Bundelkhand region), with special emphasis on its impacts on human health. Extraction and the processing of ores and minerals lead to widespread environmental pollution. During the field study it has been observed that Respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and Suspended particulate matter (SPM) was the major source of emission from opencast granite mining in Jhansi. The minimum and maximum value of RSPM and SPM was 155μg m−3 to 234μg m−3; and 393μg m−3 to 541μg m−3 respectively. The impacts are felt at every stage of the mining cycle, from exploration to mine closure and are, very often, highly detrimental to fragile ecosystems and local communities dependent on them. Surface mining operations can have a much broader impact on the environment compared to underground mines because of the large amounts of vegetation, soil and rock that have to be removed to expose the mineral. Fine dust inhaled by workers does, however, lead to diseases related to lungs and the liver such as silicosis, bronchitis and tuberculosis. In a different Survey, of 150 mine workers, 102 are having by different health problems because of environment pollution due to mining. It was found that the people in the area are affected and suffering from occupational diseases such as asthma, eye problems, pneumoconiosis disease, hearing problems, and skin diseases etc.
Bundelkhand, Granite, Opencast mining, Occupational diseases
