Coal Transition Poses Significant Challenges for Marginalized Communities, reveals a study by the National Foundation for India. The study calls for community-specific policies and robust institutional mechanisms to address the socio-economic impacts of coal transition on marginalized communities.

The transition away from coal poses significant challenges for marginalized populations, reveals an extensive study carried out by the National Foundation for India (NFI). The findings of study released in the form a report on Wednesday notes that 41.5 per cent of surveyed households belong to Other Backward Classes, 23 per cent to Scheduled Tribes, and 17 per cent to Scheduled Castes, with only 15.5 per cent from the General category. A significant portion of the population, particularly among SCs, STs, and OBCs, has limited access to education, with many having only primary education or no literacy.

The study report titled, “At the Crossroads: Marginalised Communities and the Just Transition Dilemma”, is a sequel to the 2021 study by NFI on the socio-economic impact of coal transitions in India. The study covered two districts each from three central Indian states—Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha, surveying 1209 households and conducting 20 Focused Group Discussions (FDGs). The study highlights the much higher representation of SC/ST and marginalised communities, with significant disparities on education and health.

Health Concerns

The report says, “Communities living in coal towns and coal-dependent regions are at the crossroads of multiple challenges such as livelihoods, healthcare, weak agriculture, and increasing pollution. The calculus of inequity, unfortunately, shows that most of the coal mines and coal towns in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Jharkhand are located in rural and interior regions where the socio-economic disparities are stark in comparison to people living in semi-urban and urban areas.”

Prolonged exposure to coal mining pollutants has resulted in widespread respiratory and skin diseases among the local populations. At least 75 per cent of participants in focus group discussions reported issues such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, and various skin conditions.

Coal mining releases various pollutants into the air, including coal dust, silica, and other particulate matter, the report says. “Prolonged exposure to these airborne pollutants can lead to respiratory conditions such as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, also known as black lung disease.” In addition to coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, other respiratory ailments like chronic bronchitis and asthma are also prevalent in these areas. “On average a household spends between INR 300-1000 on monthly medical-related bills.”

Economic Dependency on Coal

The phasing down of coal is expected to result in significant job losses and economic downturns in coal-dependent regions. This will not only impact the coal miners and workers directly but also the broader local economy.

Arguing that the shift towards a circular economy will also have a significant impact on these communities, the report says that “This shift will help to create new business opportunities and promote sustainable development in these regions.”

“The circular economy will also help to reduce the environmental impact of these communities, which is critical for preserving natural resources and ensuring long-term sustainability.”

Yet, the report says, the access to resources and opportunities is significantly skewed, with marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes being disproportionately affected.

Challenges to a just transition

The report identifies several challenges in achieving a just transition, including the need to upskill a largely under-educated workforce and the lack of alternative livelihoods. It underscores the importance of community-specific policies, robust institutional mechanisms, and coordinated efforts between government bodies. The study offers a potential framework for safeguarding the interests of these communities through:

• development of new economic opportunities beyond coal,
• promotion of environmental recovery to mitigate the health impacts of coal mining; and,
• ensuring that the transition policies are inclusive and consider the needs of marginalized communities.

“Social and economic disparities were evident across districts, with varying income levels and irregular wage receipt patterns,” said Pooja Gupta, co-author of the study and a research associate at NFI. “Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and Koriya (Chhattisgarh) are solely reliant on coal production, reported lower incomes compared to more diversified industrial districts like Angul (Odisha),” added Gupta. She also pointed that during the survey and field visits, access to basic welfare schemes was notably lacking, exacerbating the vulnerability of these communities.

It was also found that the policy and institutional challenges loomed large, characterized by administrative negligence, poor service delivery, and fragmented governance structures. “Without a clear plan in place, workers in declining industries may face sudden job losses without adequate support or alternative employment opportunities; exacerbating tensions within the affected communities,” she remarked.

“The findings highlight the stark caste-based inequalities in access to education and livelihood opportunities in coal-dependent regions,” said Biraj Patnaik, the executive director of NFI.  “There is an urgent need for community-specific policies and robust institutional mechanisms to address the socio-economic impacts of coal transition on marginalized communities,” he added.

Patnaik also hoped that this report will catalyse meaningful discussions and actions towards a just transition.