“In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (150 words)
Answers
There are many reasons why coal mining is essential for development although the impact is often adverse and detrimental. Some of these reasons are:
*Coal is present in abundance in India and most other countries. There is very less threat of sudden scarcity compared to other energy related resources.
*Coal is cheaper than all other resources such as natural gas and nuclear resources. The only energy resource cheaper than coal is hydro.
*Coal meets three fourths of the country’s energy requirements.
*Developing countries like India do not have enough R&D for most other energy sources making them dependent on developed countries. However, there is no such problem with coal.
Many economists say that because of the uses of coal we cannot fully eliminate the coal mines.
Coal mines are however not that safe to mankind but for the developing countries such as India do not have the affordability to fund other sources energy.
Hence, coal mines are important for such countries.