Udaipur, February 13 (Udaipur Kiran): Member of Parliament Dr Mannalal Rawat has raised a demand in Parliament for promoting underground mining in Scheduled Areas through a dedicated policy, modern technology and necessary resources.
Raising the issue under Rule 377, Dr Rawat said that most of the country’s major mining zones, including coal, aluminium and iron ore, are primarily located in tribal-dominated and Scheduled Areas. He stated that the tribal communities residing in these regions continue to face poverty, limited livelihood opportunities and socio-economic inequality.
He pointed out that the lives and livelihoods of tribal communities are closely linked to nature, forests and minor forest produce, which are integral to their cultural identity, faith and traditional way of life.
Dr Rawat said that the currently adopted open-cast mining practices are leading to large-scale land acquisition, displacement, environmental degradation and social unrest. He added that these impacts are adversely affecting the life cycle of tribal societies.
In contrast, he stated that underground mining involves less land use, minimal displacement and is more suitable from an environmental protection perspective. However, its adoption in the country remains limited.
Referring to the vision of a developed India and the government’s reform-oriented approach, Dr Rawat urged the Centre to formulate a dedicated policy and ensure modern technology and adequate resources to promote underground mining in Scheduled Areas. He said this would help protect the livelihood, faith and environment of tribal communities while developing a balanced and sustainable mining model.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
