Closure of coal mines in Margherita led to job losses, migration

The socio-economic impact of the closure of coal mines under North Eastern Coalfields in Margherita in Assam's Tinsukia district has adversely impacted the local economy leading to job losses and migration of local people to faraway places in search of livelihood, a study revealed.

The field-level case study conducted by the premier institute's Just Transition Research Centre (JTRC) titled 'Life After Coal Mine Closure', pointed out that "inconsistent support" from corporate social responsibility and the District Mineral Foundation Trust could make the situation worse for people dependent on coal mines after the closure of mining activities.

“Fifty-two per cent said their level of income had decreased, and 20 per cent had lost their jobs. Thirteen per cent faced business recession. For example, a local sweets shop owner reported that when the mines were open, he used to earn Rs. 3-4 lakh a month but after the closure, his business has considerably declined,” the report mentioned.

After the shutdown of mines, workers are left with no choice but to take up various work at lower wages, it said.

“Mostly, there are no closure plans in place for the contractual workers, leaving them worse off and vulnerable,” the report added.

The condition of contractual workers and labourers worsened to the point that they starved for nights and female family members went into prostitution, the study revealed.

According to respondents, the majority of workers, who did not have any technical knowledge or capital, left the place and went to Odisha, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana and Kerala, and others opted for petty businesses.

To achieve sustainable livelihood after a coal mine closure, the policies must think beyond jobs and there should be a well-thought transition framework in these cases, otherwise, people will suffer, the study suggested.

In Margherita, mining operations in Tikak, Tirap opencast projects (OCPs) were stopped two-three years ago, while Tipong underground mine and Ledo OCP were discontinued in 2018, the study said, adding that Baragolai colliery closed in 2010.

For various reasons, these mines were closed mainly due to environmental concerns.

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