After a ban on unscientific coal mining and transportation of coal in this region by the National Green Tribunal, many of those engaged in the activity have been switching to turmeric farming for their livelihood. The region referred above is
Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya
Koriya, Chhattisgarh
Angul, Odisha
Bardhaman, West Bengal
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2016
The question describes a situation where a ban by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on unscientific coal mining led to people switching to alternative livelihoods like turmeric farming. This specific scenario is well-documented in the Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya. Rat-hole mining, an unscientific and dangerous method of coal extraction, was rampant in Meghalaya. The NGT imposed a ban on this activity in 2014, citing severe environmental damage and lack of safety. Following the ban, many individuals previously involved in mining have indeed been encouraged and assisted to switch to agriculture, including cash crops like turmeric, as a viable alternative.