EIACP (PC-RP) on Environmental Problems of Mining

26th September 2024:

Department of Environmental Science and Engineering and Centre for Water Resource Management (CWRM), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad organized a four-day Executive Development Programme (EDP) titled, “Ecosystem Restoration, Eco-Park Development in Mined-out Areas, Carbon Sequestration, Ecosystem Goods & Services, and Application of RS, GIS & Modelling”. The training programme was held at IIT (ISM)’s Industry-Institute Interaction Facility (IIIF), New Town, Kolkata from 23rd September 2024 to 26th September 2024.

The four-day Executive Development Programme (EDP), commenced with an inaugural session that set the tone for the event, with esteemed experts and the chief guest addressing the pressing needs and challenges surrounding ecosystem restoration, especially in mined-out areas. Their insights emphasized the importance of restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing carbon sequestration, and leveraging modern technologies like RS, GIS, and ecological modelling.

Day 1 Highlights:

The programme began with an introduction to the participants, fostering an interactive learning environment. The first technical session featured a thought-provoking lecture by Dr. Samar Kumar Banerjee - Environmental Safeguard Consultant of World Bank and Asian Development Bank on the topic "Assessment of Ecological Footprint for Large Opencast Coal Mining Projects in India". Dr. Banerjee outlined the environmental impacts of coal mining and strategies for footprint reduction.

In the subsequent session, Prof. Subodh Kumar Maiti - Professor (HAG), Dept. of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad delivered a crucial talk on "Eco-restoration Version 1 vs. Version 2", explaining how ecological restoration has evolved and the significance of ecosystem goods and services in formulating restoration strategies. The day concluded with a session by Prof. Sukha Ranjan Samadder - Professor, Dept. of ESE and Head, CWRM, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, who discussed the "Framework for Groundwater Protection using Geospatial Technologies", highlighting the role of geospatial tools in safeguarding essential water resources in mining regions.

Day 2 Highlights:

The second day began with a field visit to the NABL-certified lab at Nager Bazar, Kolkata, where participants observed state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Post-visit, Prof. S.K. Maiti delivered an insightful lecture on "Eco-parks Development in Mined-out Areas and Ecologically Restored Sites", shedding light on the integration of ecological restoration with recreational and community-driven initiatives.

The day ended with a compelling lecture by Mr. Prasanta Kumar Pandit, IFS (Retired), ACCP, West Bengal, who shared his experiences on the "Role of the Forest Department in Reclaiming Mining Lands", stressing the collaboration between governmental agencies and stakeholders in reclamation efforts.

Day 3 Highlights:

On Day 3, the session began with an insightful lecture by Prof. S. K. Maiti on "Topsoil Management in Large Opencast Coal Mining Projects", emphasizing the critical role of topsoil conservation and management in ensuring effective land reclamation. The highlight of the day was a captivating presentation by the esteemed Prof. S. P. Banerjee, Former Director of the Indian School of Mines. Prof. Banerjee delivered a comprehensive overview on "The Historical Development of Sustainable Mining Practices and Mined Land Rehabilitation in the Indian Coal Industry". His presentation offered a profound historical perspective on India's significant advancements in sustainable mining, showcasing his deep expertise and contributions to the field.

The day’s third session featured a fascinating lecture by Prof. Amita Bhattacharya - Retired Chief Scientist, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, on "Ecorestoration through Biotechnological Interventions: Case Studies", showcasing the role of biotechnology in ecological restoration. The day concluded with Prof. Samadder’s comparison of various land-use classification techniques, critical for accurately monitoring degraded coal mining areas.

Day 4 Highlights:

The final day began with a lecture by Prof. S.K. Maiti on the "Development of a 6-tier Canopy System in the Ecorestoration Process", detailing the stepwise approach to creating a multi-layered forest canopy during restoration. This was followed by a comprehensive session by both Prof. Maiti and Prof. Samadder, who shared "Case Studies on Ecological Restoration Practices in Waste Dumps and the Identification of Plant Species", offering practical insights into species selection and successful reclamation strategies. The event culminated in a valedictory session, where participants reflected on the knowledge gained over the four days, cementing the importance of integrating scientific techniques with practical applications in ecosystem restoration and mined-land rehabilitation. This programme effectively equipped participants with the tools to address the complex challenges of ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management in the mining industry.