Coal is a crucial energy source in India, primarily used for thermal power generation, with the study focusing on how coal mining contributes to land degradation in Chirimiri, Chhattisgarh.
Satellite data analysis from 2000 to 2020 revealed significant loss of forests (48.9%) and waterbodies (37.6%) due to mining activities, leading to a marked increase in degraded land and built-up areas.
The study emphasizes the importance of effective eco-restoration initiatives to combat soil health decline and enhance resilience against land degradation in coal-mined regions.