A new research study has revealed alarming levels of land degradation and a steep decline in forest cover in Korba district, Chhattisgarh—India’s largest coal and power-producing region.

The findings highlight how the relentless expansion of coal mining, especially open-cast operations, has drastically altered the region’s landscape, causing severe ecological consequences.

While acknowledging coal mining’s critical role in meeting India’s growing energy demands, the scientists emphasised that industrial growth in Korba has come at a significant environmental cost.

Currently, Korba hosts 13 operational coal mines, with four more planned. Coal production is projected to peak at 180 million tonnes by 2025.

“Our study addressed the lack of comprehensive understanding regarding Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes caused by coal mining in Korba between 1995 and 2024. Meanwhile, reclamation strategies remain insufficient to restore degraded landscapes,” said Dr Joystu Dutta, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Sant Gahira Guru University, Ambikapur.

The study found forest cover in Korba declined sharply—from 35.56 per cent in 1995 to just 14 per cent in 2024—alongside a marked increase in coal mining areas and wastelands.

Prof Tarun Thakur of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, noted, “The transformation of natural landscapes has severely impacted ecological services, reduced water retention, increased soil erosion, and depleted biodiversity.”

The researchers documented widespread land degradation and habitat loss as forests and agricultural lands were converted into mining sites and urban settlements.

Using remote sensing and geospatial analysis, the study precisely measured land degradation and assessed environmental vulnerability via the Land Degradation Vulnerability Index (LDVI).

Although some reclamation efforts such as plantations have been made, the study concluded these are insufficient to reverse overall environmental decline.

Social impacts were also highlighted, especially affecting communities living near mining zones in Korba, designated by NITI Aayog as an ‘Aspirational District’ with a tribal population exceeding 40 per cent.

Globally, 23 per cent of land resources face degradation; in India, the figure rises to 44 per cent, largely driven by deforestation, intensive mining, rapid industrialisation, and unsustainable land use.

The findings call for stronger environmental policies, sustainable mining practices, and urgent action to balance India’s energy needs with ecosystem preservation.

This multi-institutional study was conducted by researchers from Sant Gahira Guru University, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Government Gramya Bharti College (Korba), Biodiversity Research Centre Taipei, National Taiwan Normal University, and HNB Garhwal University.