Soapstone Mining in Uttarakhand

• 10 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

• Recently, the Uttarakhand High Court took suo moto cognizance and criticized the authorities for failing to regulate soapstone mining in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. 

 Key Points 

• Environmental Concerns: 
  • Land Subsidence: 
    • Subsidence is a critical issue in Uttarakhand, exacerbated by mining activities in vulnerable areas like Kanda-Kanyal in Bageshwar. 
    • Mining operations, soil erosion, removal of resources, and earthquakes contribute to the problem. 
  • Slope Instability: 
    • Mining at lower slopes weakens structural integrity, affecting villages on upper slopes. 
    • Loamy and loose soil increases susceptibility to erosion, particularly during monsoons. 
  • Deficient Safety Measures: 
    • Lack of green belts, retaining walls, buffer zones, slope monitoring, and protective structures accelerates erosion. 
  • Water and Air Pollution: 
    • Mining activities lead to water scarcity, contamination, and air pollution in the region. 
• Cultural Concerns: 
  • Impact on Traditional Architecture: 
    • Land subsidence has damaged Kumaoni Bakhli houses, which historically demonstrated seismic resilience. 
  • Damage to Heritage: 
    • Cracks in the Kalika Temple floor in Kanda, a 10th-century site of cultural and religious importance, signify mining-related degradation. 
    • The region’s cultural practices, including folk music, dance, and handicrafts, are also affected. 
• Administrative Lapses: 
  • The State and Union governments failed to define "semi-mechanised mining," yet granted environmental clearances for such activities. 
  • Heavy equipment use without clear policy limits has worsened the situation. 

 Soapstone  

• Soapstone is a soft metamorphic rock made of talc with varying amounts of chlorite, dolomite, and magnesite. 
• Uses: 
  • Soapstone is widely used in industries for making sculptures, countertops, sinks, and tiles due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. 
  • It is used in stoves, fireplaces, and laboratory countertops because of its excellent heat resistance. 
  • Ground soapstone serves as a filler in paper, cosmetics, and paints. 
  • It is also used for making utensils, handicrafts, and idols. 
• Availability in India: 
  • As per the Indian Bureau of Mines, Rajasthan (57%) and Uttarakhand (25%) hold significant reserves. 
    • Rajasthan: The largest producer, particularly in the Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Bhilwara regions. 
    • Uttarakhand: Notable deposits in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Almora districts. 
    • Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: Smaller reserves also exist.