LEGAL AND POLITICAL CHANGES IN INDIA TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE MINING

The mining industry of India contributes substantially to the economic development of the country. Despite the economic boost and the employment opportunities it creates, it has faced the flak of environmentalists owing to its environmental hazards. It is a potential threat to the ecosystem and biodiversity and there is an exigency to attain a rational balance between the mining activity and environment with an ultimate aim to achieve sustainable development. The present paper discusses the different techniques employed for mining and their individual environmental challenges, the statutes governing mining in India and the significance of rehabilitation and reclamation measures to combat the environmental threats. The environmental risks posed by the mining activity are catastrophic and there is an exigency to attain a rational balance between the mining activity and environment with an ultimate aim to achieve sustainable development.