Reclamation and Community Dynamics: Assessing Socio-Environmental Impacts of Mining in Manikpur, Chhattisgarh

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of community perceptions regarding the impacts of reclamation strategies for abandoned coal mines in India, with a specific focus on the Manikpur Coal Mine. Through a structured survey administered to residents in the vicinity of the mine, the research investigates the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of reclamation efforts. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study identifies key factors influencing community perceptions, including the perceived benefits of reclamation, levels of community involvement, and overall satisfaction with mining operations. The findings reveal significant relationships among these factors, such as the positive influence of reclamation availability/requirement (path coefficient = ۰.۶۳۳) on satisfaction and the negative impact of involvement on satisfaction (-۰.۸۰۵). Indirect effects highlight the interplay between constructs, with experience positively influencing involvement (۰.۶۷۳) and satisfaction (۰.۱۶۲) while negatively affecting reclamation availability/requirement (-۰.۱۹۴). Variations in latent variable scores for satisfaction (-۱.۶۳ to ۳.۰۳۱) and reclamation availability/requirement (-۱.۴۲ to ۱.۹۰۳) underscore the diverse respondent experiences. These insights emphasize the importance of effective community engagement and tailored reclamation strategies. Policy recommendations are provided to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of reclamation efforts, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches that integrate economic viability, socio-cultural acceptance, and environmental sustainability. The study contributes to the field of mine reclamation by offering valuable insights into resident perceptions and practical guidelines for improving reclamation practices in mining-affected areas.

کلیدواژه ها:

Community Perception ، Economic Impact ، environmental impact ، Socio-Cultural Impact ، Structural equation modeling (SEM)