Khanan Prahari to Combat Illegal Coal Mining | 28 Aug 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Ministry of Coal has launched the Khanan Prahari mobile app, revolutionizing the fight against illicit coal mining activities.

What is Khanan Prahari?

• About:
  • This innovative app allows citizens to take an active role in reporting incidents of illegal coal mining through the submission of geo-tagged photographs and textual information.
    • The corresponding web portal called as Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) has been developed in association with the Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Application & Geoinformatics, Gandhinagar, and Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), Ranchi.
  • This comprehensive approach not only leverages cutting-edge technology but also emphasizes public participation in addressing this critical issue.
    • A total of 483 complaints have been lodged through the Khanan Prahari mobile app, reflecting the public's active involvement.
• Features:
  • Reporting Incidents: Users can easily report incidents of illegal mining by taking photographs and providing comments on the incident.
  • Confidentiality: The user's identity is kept confidential, ensuring privacy and security.
  • Complaint Tracking: Complainants receive a complaint number, which they can use to easily track the status of their reported complaints.

What is the Status of Coal Mining in India?

• About Coal:
  • India is the world's second largest coal producer and 5th largest country in terms of coal deposits.
    • Coal is a type of fossil fuel found in the form of sedimentary rocks and is often known as 'Black Gold'.
  • However, some parts of its coal requirement are met through imports as the country is also among the major consumers. India's coal imports increased by 30% in the 2022-23.
• Major Coal Producing States:
  • Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Timeline Related to Coal Mining in India:
  • India has a rich history of coal mining spanning about 220 years, originating in 1774 with the East India Company in the Raniganj Coalfield.
    • The growth was slow initially, but steam locomotives in 1853 boosted production.
  • Post-independence, the National Coal Development Corporation (NCDC) was established in 1956 for systematic coal industry growth.
    • Nationalization of coal mines occurred in two phases, starting with coking coal mines in 1971-72 and non-coking mines in 1973.
    • This step aimed to address issues of unscientific mining practices and poor labor conditions. Nationalization continued until the Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973.
  • Post-nationalization, India faced minimal demand-supply gaps until 1991. Liberalization reforms in 1993 allowed coal mine allocation for captive consumption.
    • The Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 enabled coal mine allocation through auctions. In 2018, private firms were allowed into commercial coal mining.