LIMESTONE QUARRIES OF JHARKHAND AND WEST BENGAL, INDIA
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namely in the district West Singhbhum and in the south western part of
the state West Bengal, namely in the district Purulia. Limestone
deposits, when sub soil, these are generally 1500 to 2000 meter in
diameter and 30 to 80 meters deep. In some parts these are above
ground, generally large bands of rock on a hill or mountain.
In Chaibasa, the district town of West Singhbhum there is one large
limestone quarry near by: ‘The Rungta mining company’. Actually
there are four limestone quarries running surrounding Chaibasa in a
radius of 25 kilometers. Those are at:
a) Lupulgutu;
b) Kamarhatu;
c) Suryabasa;
d) Jagannathpur.
All these are sub soil in nature and generally under 10 to meters of
earth’s surface.
In Purulia, West Bengal, there are two limestone quarries running in
Jhalda block, near Jharkhand boader. Both are near the village
Chirugora Marlong. Here limestones are collected from hills like Jabar
pahar, where from the river Kangsabati emerges.
In these districts one geographical feature is common, i.e. the land is
arid, agriculture is scanty and these areas once were covered by dense
jungle. Due to unplanned deforestation top soil has been destroyed.
Underground water level is down below 120 to 350 ft. digging a well is
too much costly and deep tube well is almost out of question as people
live here are very much poor. Rainfall is very low in these areas.
Besides agricultural work, which is as said earlier, scanty, people
have to depend on these quarries for their earning. The quarry owners
are not rich businessmen, especially in Bankura and Purulia of West
Bengal. There are at least some owners who were previously labours of
such quarries. Almost 90% people of these areas belong to scheduled
tribe community, namely Santals, Kurmi, Ho, Oraon, Munda and Scheduled
caste like Bagdi. Initially these people were dependent on forests.
Basically they were forest people since early human history.
Destruction of forest forced them to become labourers of these quarries
and in agricultural field of other fertile districts like Barddhaman,
Nadia, Hooghly, Howrah, Birbhum, Murshidabad etc. So one thing can be
seen in these quarries of Bankura and Purulia that these quarries run
for 6 to 7 months a year as in rainy season and in winter no labour is
available for these quarries. They go to do agricultural work in
neighboring districts.
The West Singhbhum district has a population 2,080,265 in an area of
9,907 sq. kms. District in Chaibasa urban agglomerations are
Chakradharpur and Jamshedpur.
District Purulia has a population 2,536,516 in an area of 6259 sq. kms.
Male is to female ratio is 51.18:48.82.Rural is to urban people ratio
is 89.93:10:07.
It is commonly believed that women are not fit for mining works. But in
these quarries women labours participate in quarry works with their
male counter parts. In a quarry ratio of men: women labour is 60 : 40.
1. NUMBER OF MINES IN YOUR AREA/REGION/COUNTRY
1.1 What is ASM (definition in Your Country, Region)
The mines which posses not more than 35 people as labourers and
officials and produce not more than 300 ton a day and area of the mine
not more than 2 acres is defined as small mines by the Directorate of
Mines Safety, of Govt. of India.
1.2 ASM Sector Units studied
The Rongta mines of Lupungutu, West Singhbhum, Jharkhand and Jabarpahar
quarry of Bharat Super, Cement, Jhalda, Purlia, West Bengal has been
taken under survey.
1.3 Structure of the Industry Concerned
In these quarries number of persons engaged is like the following
a) Agent - 1
b) Manager – 1
c) Drill man – 1
d) Mate – 1
e) Bluster – 1
f) Loading labour (both male and female) – 10
g) Breaking stone (from bolder of 30 to 45 in dia length to ‘cheli’
of 12 to 18 cm. In length) – 10
h) Cleaning labour (mainly female) – 8
In the crushers for these quarries the persons engaged is like this:
a) Agent (common with the quarry)
b) Manager - 1
c) Mate - 1
d) Loading Labour – 20 - 35
1.4 ASM Standing/Advisory/Controlling Body
These quarries are run by big industrial houses. They appoint agent to
look after the quarry, the crushers and marketing. If cement factory is
also run by same house, the events concern in the factory also
controlled by the agent.
Owner
Agent
Prospector
Engineer
Manager
Contractor
Mate
Labour
1.5 Local Context: Physical Extent of the Area, Administrative Units
In Jharkhand the land for digging mines is leased by the Block
Development Officer (hereinafter BDO) but license for mining is given
by District Mining Officer (hereinafter DMO) and the safety measures
should taken by a mine is controlled by Directorate of Mines Safety
(hereinafter DGMS) of the district. Annual revenue is given to DMO.
In West Bengal land is leased by the BDO and revenue is also collected
by his office. Only mining permit is given by DMO.
1.6 Previous Estimates by Others
No such estimates found for the area studied.
1.7 Your Estimates
In West Singbhum district almost 400 people are engaged in 4 limestone
quarries.
In Purulia some 100 people work in the two quarries and in the cement
factory.
2. ORIGINS/TRADITIONS
2.1 Local Economic Traditions
Some Classification of Land Uttilisation Statistics in the district of
Purulia
(in '000 hectares)
Year Total
according to
D.L.R., W.B. Forest area
according to
State Forest
Department Current
fallow Other fallow
land other than
current fallow Net Cropped
area
1 2 3 4 5 6
1998-1999 623.41 87.60 81.39 7.39 343.83
1999-2000 623.41 87.60 86.43 8.68 328.13
2000-2001 623.29 87.60 113.23 7.32 311.69
2001-2002 623.29 87.60 93.50 5.02 335.83
2002-2003 624.11 87.17 167.79 4.93 256.94
Source: Directorate of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal
2.2 Present Power Structures
Consumption of Electricity by different sectors in the district of
Purulia
(Thousand K.W.H.)
Year Domestic Commercial Industrial Public
lighting Agricultural
irrigation &
Dewatering Public water
works &
sewage pump Railway
traction &
non-traction Miscellaneous Total
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1998-1999 19880 9550 9230 760 1940 250 - - -
1999-2000 51340 12200 8978 800 1950 320 20058 26587 122233
2000-2001 43792 4962 7027 - 891 - 24448 10725 91845
2001-2002 51087 7667 8117 - 194 365 23354 170 90954
2002-2003 53757 7621 9365 1080 181 252 20533 125 92914
Source: Divisional Engineer, (O&M), W.B.S.E.B., Purulia
3. LOCATION AND DISTRIBUTION
3.1 Regional Distribution
3.1.1 Regional Distribution of ASM/Informal Hard-Rock Mining
In Chaibasa, the district town of West Singhbhum there is one large
limestone quarry near by: ‘The Rungta mining company’. Actually
there are four limestone quarries running surrounding Chaibasa in a
radius of 25 kilometers. Those are at:
e) Lupulgutu;
f) Kamarhatu;
g) Suryabasa;
h) Jagannathpur.
In Purulia, West Bengal, there are two limestone quarries running in
Jhalda block, near Jharkhand boader. Both are near the village
Chirugora Marlong. Here limestones are collected from hills like Jabar
pahar.
4. GROWTH
4.1 Introduction: History
In Jhalda town, Purulia district, West Bengal, and some surrounding
villages to it there is a large community, known locally as
‘Bagdi’, were solely dependent on lime making by burning limestone
and selling their product locally. This was there family tradition
since ages. There can be found many other tribal populations in these
areas of Jharkhand and West Bengal who were the indigenous lime
producers.
Use of Portland cement is comparatively a new concept, hardly 200 years
old in this country. Establishment of cement factory stared no earlier
than 1930’s.
4.2 Prediction of Growth in the Short-Run
The deposits in these areas are not sufficient. Growing public
requirement of cement may be able to supply the raw limestone for next
two decades.
4.3 Long-Term Growth Outlook
4.3.1 Reserves of the Resource
Actual total deposit of limestone in these two states has not yet been
prospected properly. There are other reserves in these two area
mentioned above which are not yet either mined, or prospected, or both.
4.3.2 Rate of Consumption of the Resource
Per day consumption from 4 quarries of West Singhbhum is around 400
tons and from jabalpahar quarry of Purulia it is 50 tons a day.
4.3.3 Other Resources outside Mining Areas
In Jhalda block of Purulia there are many other hills which contains
limestone rock bands.
In West Singhbhum also there are many deposits already found which
either of inferior quality is or the deposit is not worth mining. There
are some other deposits where minin not yet started.
5. GROWTH FACTORS
5.1 Governance Factors
5.1.1 Legal Environment
PURULIA
at a Glance
Description Year Unit Particulars
1 2 3 4
Administrative set up :
District Head Quarters Purulia
Sub-division 2002 Number 3
Police Station 2002 Number 20
Inhabited Villages 1991 Number 2456
Mouza 1991 Number 2685
Municipal Corporation 2002 Number -
Municipality 2002 Number 3
Block 2002 Number 20
Panchayet Samity 2002 Number 20
Gram Panchayet 2002 Number 170
Gram Sansad 2002 Number 1925
Area of Population :
Area of Population 2001 Sq. Km. 6259.00
Population 2001 Number 2536516
Density of Population 2001 Per sq. km. 405
Percentage :
Male 2001 Percent 51.18
Female 2001 Percent 48.82
Rural 2001 Percent 89.93
Urban 2001 Percent 10.07
Industry :
Registered Working factories 2002 Number 69
Small Industrial Establishment
(Registered under C&S.S.I.) 2002-2003 Number 8966
Employment in :
State Government Offices 2001 Number 14008
Registered Working factories 2002 Number 4922
Small Industrial Establishment
(Registered under C&S.S.I.) 2002-2003 Number 54585
Employment Situation :
Applicant on live register 2002 Number 189230
* C & SSI = Directorate of Cottage & Small Scale Industris.
Source: District Statistical Hand Book, 2003, Purulia.
5.1.2 Administrative Constraints
Permission for mining is not controlled by a single authority. This is
controlled by:
1) District Mining Officer (hereinafter DMO),
2) Directorate of Mines Safety (hereinafter DGMS),
3) District Magistrate or District Collector, locally by the Block
level Officer on behalf of him,
4) District Land and Land Reforms Officer,
5) State Pollution Control Board,
6) District Forest Officer,
Local administrative bodies have no practical influence on these big
industrial houses. For example, the Rungta Mining Company of Chaibasa
is actually the largest iron ore exporter of this country whose mines
are running in the state Orissa. They have direct access to the Central
cabinet ministers, Secretaries of the Central Government and leaders of
big political parties.
5.2 Socio-economic Factors
5.2.1 Socio-economic Environment
In both states limestone quarries run in remote places. These places
were covered by dense jungle even some decades earlier. People live in
these area are mostly tribal Santal, Munda, Ho and of such other
community. Basically these people were dependent on the surrounding
forests. Deforestation caused total socio – economic changed to these
communities. They are now the contract labours for agriculture to some
distant places or they are the labours of such quarries, stone crushers
and in local cement factories.
Employment scenario in States
(CDS basis)
States Employment
Growth
1993 - 1994
to
1999-2000
(% p.a.) Unemployment Rate Employment
elasticity
1993 - 1994
to
1999-2000 GDP growth
(% per annum)
1993 - 1994
to
1999-2000
1999 - 2000
% 1993 - 1994
%
Jharkhand 1.59 7.32 6.34 0.353 4.5
West Bengal 0.41 14.99 10.06 0.056 7.3
All India 1.07 7.32 5.99 0.160 6.7
Source: Planning Commission, Government of India.
5.2.2 Shortage of Herder Income Opportunities
Except working in the agriculture fields of other districts in working
seasons, the local tribal people have no alternative for earning. Those
who live nearby a quarry may get employment there.
5.2.3 Shortage of Framework Income Opportunities
There is no industrial infrastructure in these places so no employment
is possible in such fields.
Earlier, especially in Jhalda I block of Purulia district, West Bengal,
there was a large industry on production and processing lac. It used to
provide at least two to three thousand man-day of work to the local
people surrounding this area. Presently this industry is totally
destroyed by present day’s commercial varnishes.
There was another industry running in this area. This was production of
lime from burning limestone. Limestone is abandoned in this area on the
hills and these are exposed rock bands on mountains. The local Bagdi
community, at least three to five hundred families, was solely
dependent on this profession. Present day’s cement factories produce
commercial packet lime and sell those in the market. These has been
destroyed the local demand of the lime produced locally.
5.2.4 Desire for Higher Education
Present policy of Indian central Govt. emphasized on free primary
education to every child. This has been enhanced the desire for
education among rural backward people also.
Total number of Recognised Educational Institute (2001 - 2002)
State Primary/Junior
Basic School Middle/
Senior Basic
School High School/
Higher Secondary
Intermediate/
Pre-degree/
Junior College Colleges for
General
Education Professional
Education Universities/
Deemed University
and institution
of National
Importance
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Jharkhand 16643 4187 1157 0 0 6
West Bengal 52426 2384 9436 354 88 28
Source: Selected Educational Statistics 2001 2002, Ministry of Human
Resource Development, Govt. of India.
Literacy Rate (1951 - 2001) (in %)
State 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001
Jharkhand
(previously part of Bihar) 12.20 21.80 19.90 26.20 38.50 47.53
West Bengal 24.00 34.50 33.20 40.90 57.70 69.22
All India 18.30 28.30 34.45 43.57 52.20 65.38
Source: Office of the Registrar of General of India.
Gross Enrolment Ratio in Classes I - V, VI - VIII and I - VIII
State 2001 - 2002
Classes I-V (6-11 years) Classes VI-VIII (11-14 years) Classes I-VIII
(6-14 years)
Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls Total
Jharkhand 100.51 76.34 88.56 43.86 30.76 37.56 78.02 58.83 68.83
West Bengal 112.72 106.82 109.8 60.51 46.96 53.88 92.14 83.50 87.88
All India 105.29 86.91 96.30 67.77 52.09 60.20 90.69 73.56 82.35
Source: Selected Educational Statistics, 2001 – 2002, Ministry of
Human Resource Development, Govt. of India.
5.2.5 Reasons for Engaging in Illegal Mining
In Jharkhand some people engage themselves in illegal coal mining as
they have no alternate source of income in one hand, in other hand, the
simple local tribal people used to think that the things on an under
earth is given for the use of some of the soils by mother earth.
In Purulia, West Bengal the Bagdi community who used to live on homely
production of lime, still use limestone from the quarry run by other
owner. They are forced to do this to earn a living.
5.3 Geological Factors
5.3.1 Combination of Special Geological Factors
The two fields taken under this survey of two adjoining East Indian
sates have some common geological features, at least in some areas. The
limestone deposits are not alike in character in these two areas.
Limestone deposit in Jharkhand is totally sub soil. On the contrary
deposits of Purulia district of West Bengal is as rock bands on
mountains.
5.4 Mining Sector Factors
5.4.1 Resource Losses due to Mining Operations
The area under study was completely covered by dense jungle earlier.
Even in some areas forest was in its full bloom some to decades
earlier. These mines are causing total deforestation.
5.4.2 Resource Losses due to Mineral Processing
Crushers depending on these mines causing air pollution with suspended
stone dusts. These dusts are getting deposited on agricultural fields
and also causing some lung diseases like silicosis etc.
5.4.3 Resource Losses due to Mine Closures
Sub soil mines leaving the left mines fields without filling those.
6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
6.1 Who are the Miners
Miners are from the local poor community. Mostly they are belonging to
some tribal casts.
6.1.1 Introduction to the Miners
Mostly this people are the local inhabitants living near by the quarry
concern.
6.1.2 Previous Employment of Males
Mostly males were engaged in either agricultural work or fetching fuel
wood from near by forest and selling those in local market or both.
6.1.3 Previous Employment of Females
Women earlier were engaged in agricultural and household works, namely
fetching water and fuel wood, herding cattle and goats.
6.1.4 Classification of Miners by Age
Minors are mostly in the age range of 25 to 45. Some times there are
miners below or above this range, but that is not regular feature.
6.2 Categories of Miners
6.2.1 Actively Involved in Alternative Occupations (farming,
herding…)
Most people were engaged in agricultural works in the time of monsoon
and in harvesting season. The people don’t have their own
agricultural land go to other places where they can earn from this kind
of work.
6.2.2 Formerly Involved in Alternative Occupations
There are some people who were engaged in some brick fields.
6.2.3 Alcoholism
Alcoholism is prevalent among male workers of all age. Female workers
drink only in weekends or during festival time.
6.3 Socio-economic Influences
Jharkhand:
Economy: The net state domestic product at current prices (new series)
in 2000 – 2003 (advance estimate) was Rs.27, 358 crores. The per
capita net state domestic product at current prices (new series) in
2002 – 2003 (advance estimate) was Rs.9955.
Agriculture: The main crops grown in the state are paddy, wheat, pulses
and maize.
Purulia, West Bengal:
Number of Enterprises in Rural and Urban Areas in the district of
Purulia
Sector Establishment Own account Enterprise Total
1990 1998 1990 1998 1990 1998
Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri.
Rural 259 9897 477 12645 3668 38375 2114 45143 3929 48272 2591 57788
Urban 71 4277 200 6128 250 7891 110 7927 321 12168 310 14055
Combined 330 14174 677 18773 3918 46266 2224 53070 4250 60440 2901 71843
Source: Economic Censes 1990 and 1998, Bureau of applied economics and
statistics, Govt. of West Bengal.
Number of Person Working usually in Rural and Urban Enterprises in the
district of Purulia
Sector Establishment Own account Enterprise Total
1990 1998 1990 1998 1990 1998
Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri. Agri. Non-
Agri.
Rural 11 526 24 736 57 573 38 754 68 1099 62 1490
Urban 4 342 11 439 5 103 3 135 9 445 14 574
Combined 15 868 35 1175 62 676 41 889 77 1544 76 2064
Source: Economic Censes 1990 and 1998, Bureau of applied economics and
statistics, Govt. of West Bengal.
7. GENDER CONCERNS
7.1 Women’s Work Participation: History of Region/Country
Women among tribal community of this region taken under survey have
equal role in family and in society. This is not true among rural or
urban middle class society, at least decades earlier. There is
prominent division of labour among men and women in middle class
society. But in tribal community or among lower economic group of
backward classes other than the tribal people men and women share there
job.
7.2 Gender Roles
7.2.1 Recent Changes in Gender Roles
Infiltration of urban culture and invasion of cable TV network changing
the live pattern of these tribal people. One interesting think noted
among them is adolescent boys like to maintain four or five girl
friends at a time on the contrary, girls are not interested to mix up
with the boys of their own community. Free mixing and uninhibited sex
was the norm of tribal community like Santals, but they hate to mix up
with the people of other community.
7.2.2 Family-Kin Networks
These people under survey maintain a closely knit family with grand
parents and other members. The total community also lives together and
the village is controlled by an elder member of the society known as
‘Gaonbura’ they have there own code and court for any social or
family dispute.
7.2.3 Women’s Needs
Women among these communities need some institutional education. This
is already looked after in some areas but it should be available to
all. Public health service is almost lacking. Especially medical help
should be available to the would be and new mothers.
7.3 Gender Roles in Mining and Processing
7.2.1 Division of Labour in Mining
In mining ratio of female is to male labour is 40:60.
7.2.2 Division of Labour in Processing
In processing ratio of male is to female labour is 60:40.
7.2.3 Division of Labour in Transporting
In transportation ratio of female is to male labour is 60:40.
7.2.4 Division of Labour at Home
At home household works are done by females. In cases where females go
out for external work their male counter part performs the domestic
works, especially it is seen in Santal community. In other communities
male don’t takes part in household works. If the women goes out to
other works, she has to it in addition to the household works.
7.4 Wages
7.4.1 Wages in Other Activities
In other activities like agricultural work earn a labour Rs.60 a day
for 8 hours work. Those who are engaged in fetching fuel wood from
forest earn only Rs.35 for a days work.
7.4.2 Wages in ASM/Informal Mining
It varies from Rs.70 to Rs.120 a day depending on the total work done
in a day by a labour. Because in mines workers appointed in contract.
7.4.3 Women’s Views on Wages
Ai least in this part of country women are paid equally to the men. So
hey don’t have any complain against their wages.
7.5 Working conditions
7.5.1 Provision of toilets, crèches
There is no provision of toilet or crèches in or around a mining area
because these mining are very small and number of working women here is
not more than 12 to 18 in a mine.
7.5.2 Household chores, family support
Household chores are carried out by women in general. But in some cases
they are supported by their other family members like her husband, son
or brother and the household chores are shared by them.
7.5.3 Sexual harassment
These are very small quarries and no labour colony culture is there.
Infrequent incidents of sexual harassment take place sometimes but
there are seldom police cases.
7.5.4 Women’s Perceptions of Sexual Harassment
Most of he women victim of such cases don’t like to make fuss with
it. Some of them take such incident as professional hazard.
7.6 Work Organisation and Division of Labour
7.6.1 Gender-based Structure
Percentage distribution of hired workers in non-agriculture
establishments and females employed in non-agricultural
enterprises in the district of Purulia
Sector Hired Workers Female employed
1990 1998 1990 1998
Rural 4.25 4.77 3.20 4.08
Urban 1.15 1.34 1.01 1.39
Combined 2.06 2.42 2.44 3.11
Source: Economic Censes 1990 and 1998, Bureau of applied economics and
statistics, Govt. of West Bengal.
8. CHILD LABOUR ISSUES
8.1 Introduction
8.1.1 Overview
Concern of children and the elimination of child labour continue to be
an area of great concern and article of faith for successive
government. According to the census 2001 figures, there are 1.25 crore
working children in the age group of 5-14 as compared to the total
child population of 25.2 crore of which 1.07 crore working children are
in he age group of 10-14.
Existing laws prohibit the employment of children below 14 years of age
in factories, mines and hazardous employment and regulate the working
conditions of children in other non-hazardous areas of employment. The
government of India adopted a national policy of child labour in 1987
with a three fold strategy; legal action plan, general developmental
programs and project based action plan. Under the project based under
plan, the Government of India has adopted two schemes, namely, National
Child Labour Project Scheme (NCLP) and Grant-in-Aid to voluntary
organizations for taking up action oriented programs in the field of
rehabilitation of child labour. There are currently 100 NCLPs covering
2.11 lac working children. Government has approved the continuation of
the above schemes during the tenth plan. It has also been decided to
sanction additional 150 NCLPs during the tenth plan. Action is already
underway for sanctioning these new NCLPs. Under the Grant-in-Aid
Scheme, voluntary organizations involved in rehabilitation of child
labour have been provided financial assistance for the projects
undertaken by them in areas not covered by the scheme of NCLP.
8.1.2 Children of Miners OR Child Miners?
A large number of children of miners are presently gone to school. But
these children rarely continue there education. Mostly there dropped
their study after primary level. Very few continue up to secondary
standard.
Child miners in this particular field are almost absent.
8.1.3 Opinion of Parents
Most parents of present day one they are child should study at least up
to 10+2 standard so that he or she can get some white collar job.
9. LABOUR PROTECTION, HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES
9.1 Labour Protection
9.1.1 Labour Protection in Mining
Regional office of the Director General of Mines Safety looks after the
labour protection. This doesn’t help labours much. It only sees
whether there is a blasting shed or the labours are getting protective
eye glass.
9.2 Working Conditions
9.2.1 Opinions of Miners on Working Conditions
The conditions in which a miner has to work are not judged by them.
They are happy if the amount and more of payment is good. They are not
aware whether there should be any accident policy or any medical policy
covering them.
9.2.2 Labour Pressure
There is organized labour union almost in all mines, stone crushers and
cement factories. But these unions only are interested in raising the
payment. They don’t care to pressurize the mining authority for
labour insurance or for any other necessary matters.
9.2.3 Mining Season
Everywhere the season is from January to May and from September to
November
9.2.4 Working Hours
Working hour in these mines is from 8 to 12 in the morning and 2 to 6
at afternoon, that is 8 hours.
9.3 Health and Safety
9.3.1 Opinions of Miners on Health Conditions
Most of the miners are unaware about their right of getting medical
support against health hazard. Only they get some medical health on
behalf of the owner company in cases of accidents.
10. METHODS AND EQUIPMENT
10.1 Tasks
10.1.1 Mining Tasks
After prospecting the upper earth surface is removed and limestone
deposit is taken out during mining.
10.1.2 Processing Tasks
Taken out limestone from the mine in the form of boulders are taken to
a stone crusher. The crushed stone are then taken to a cement factory
or to limestone factory has the case may be.
10.2 Equipment
10.2.1 Mining Equipment
Earth cutters are used to remove the top soil. Drills and compressors
are used to dig holes in the limestone. Gelignite sticks are used for
blasting. Boulders produced after blasting is broken down in smaller
pieces manually. These pieces are taken to a crusher by dumpers.
10.2.2 Processing Equipment
Smaller pieces of limestone of the size 6 to 8 inches long are
processed in a stone crushers to be used in cement factories.
10.3 Method – Transport
Method of transport is by trucks or dumpers because most of the mining
companies employ their own transportation system and if necessary they
construct earthen road to the mine or they influence local authorities
to construct roads.
10.4 Methods and Equipment in One or Two Case Study Village(s)
One especial case study worth mentioning. In Jhalda town of Purulia
district there is a large Bagdi community who earlier where the
limestone miners and producer of processed limestone. Still some of the
families follow this profession.
Women of this community are engaged in this work. They purchase
limestone form the casual miners, mostly from the Santal community stay
nearby. This limestone is then burnt in a earthen furnace for 12 hours.
This is the processed lime used in painting houses or to be used with
beetle leaves or with tobacco. In this process one woman of a family
can earn Rs.1000 to Rs.2000 a month.
The community who were dependent on breaking limestone from a hill and
sale those to the women who make lime generally earns Rs.1200 to
Rs.2000 a month.
Profit from home made lime:
11. INCOME AND FINANCIAL FLOWS
11.1 Income
11.1.1 Annual Income
12. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES
12.1 Law and Order and Human Rights
12.1.1 Law and Order
Generally law and order situation in and around mining area is trouble
free. The people work here come from such a community who have their
own code of conduct of their life and have a constant surveillance over
their social activity.
12.1.2 Human Rights
No such activity is seen for maintaining and perseverance of human
rights from any govt. or non-govt. agencies.
12.2 Overview of Legal Issues
12.2.1 Exploration Licenses
Exploration license is provided by the district mines office.
12.2.2 Mining Licenses
This is given by the Director General of Mines Safety, District Mining
Officer and District collector or District Magistrate, District Land
and Land reforms Office and District Forest Officer.
12.2.3 Central Government Measures to Legalise Informal Mining
So far limestone mining is concern; it is not any informal field.
12.3 Conflicts with Traditional Rights
12.3.1 Conflicts with Traditional Land Use Rights – Pastures,
Forestry and Farming
Not a large area is required to run a limestone quarry. This is not the
direct cause for destruction local forestry and pastures. The only
thing these mines causing deprivation to the local people is they have
taken away the access to use the limestone for their own survival.
13. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
13.1 Environmental Factors
13.1.1 Negative and Positive Factors
The negative aspect of limestone mining is that it is indirectly
causing deforestation of the area and loss of pastures for the cattle
raised by the local people. Only positive aspect of a quarry is it
provides employment at least to 35 – 40 people and providing some
part of the government revenue.
13.2 Key Impacts
13.2.1 Local Ecosystems
During initiation of a quarry it is necessary to clear up the earth
surface. This localized deforestation encourages the local wood mafia
to destroy the total forest of that region. Mines run normally in arid
regions where rainfall is low. Destruction of forest causing lack of
rainfall in those regions which has a long run impact on the local
agricultural field and so on the people who depend solely on
agriculture.
State wise summary status in
17 category of highly polluting industries
State Total no.
of Units Status (No. of Units)
Closed Compliant Defaulters
Jharkhand 21 3 16 2
West Bengal 66 17 44 5
Source: Ministry of environment and forests.
13.2.2 Entire Ecosystems
As mentioned earlier, starting a new quarry in some area causes
permanent damage to the entire ecosystem.
13.2.3 Forests
All the quarries running in this moment, be it in Jharkhand or in West
Bengal, are in such a place which was earlier dense forest. Directly or
indirectly these forests were lost due to mining.
13.2.4 Biodiversity
Loss of forest in a area causes displacement of forest animals. Most
are killed in the process of deforestation. Animals like elephants,
when displaced they try to find out new are places for their grazing
ground. Loss of forest in Jharkhand and in West Bengal forced many
herds of elephants to invade on cultivation land in other districts
even some 300 kilometers away. This is a regular problem t the
districts dependent solely on agriculture.
13.2.5 Cultural Heritage
Many people in these areas who earlier were lime makers are now
displaced by these organized mining houses. They are forced to be
labours in some distant brick fields where they are to live in slums
getting uprooted from their own village, society and customs. They are
getting alienated from their own culture and tradition.
13.2.6 Indigenous Peoples
As mention earlier people live in these areas are tribes of Santal, Ho,
Oraon, Munda and such other casts. They were originally the forest
people depending solely on the flora and fauna of a forest. They were
the real preserver of forest lands. Civilized country law all over the
world deprived them from their own assets.
14. COMMUNITY ISSUES
14.1 Community Benefits
14.1.1 Poverty Reduction and Employment Generation
The mine running in a area causing at least some reduction of poverty
in a locality as they cause employment to some people.
14.1.2 Local Economy
May be in a minimum level but these mine have some impact on local
economy as these are providing some raw money at least to some
percentage of that locality.
14.1.3 Transport
May be indirectly, but these mines are causing enhancement of local
transport system.
14.1.4 Raising Revenue
These mines are earning the government at least some revenue. May be
this is not much in respect of the total annual budget of a state, yet
this is a concrete earning for the government.
15. CONTACT LIST OF NGOS, RESOURCE PERSONS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
1) MR. S. MURLIDHAR RAO, AGENT, RUNGTA MINING CO. LTD., JAMSHEDPUR.
2) MR. P.K. NAYAK, MANAGER, RUNGTA MINING CO. LTD., LUPUNGUTU,
CHAIBASA.
3) MR. SANJEEB MALLICK, RUNGTA MINING CO. LTD., CHAIBASA.
4) MR. DEBEN SAU, ENGINEER, TULIN, PURULIA.
5) MR. AMAR SANKAR MAHADONI, JHALDA, PURULIA.
16. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF PAPERS AND REPORTS USE
1) DISTRICT STATISTICAL HAND BOOK – 2003, PURULIA, BUREAU OF APPLIED
ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS, GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL
2) ECONOMIC SURVEY – 2003 -04, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, MINISTRY OF
FINANCE, ECONOMIC DIVISION.
3) WEST BENGAL FEMALE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT – 2004, DEVELOPMENT
AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
4) ECONOMIC REVUE – 2003-04, STATISTICAL APPENDIX, GOVERNMENT OF WEST
BENGAL
5) THE PENGUIN INDIA, REFERENCE YEAR BOOK – 2005, PENGUIN BOOKS INDIA
PRIVATE LIMITED, NEW DELHI, INDIA.