Jharkhand, a state rich in coal reserves, is at a crossroads. With India’s ambitious climate goals set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and making renewable energy account for half of its energy mix by 2030, the concept of “Just Transition” has never been more critical. This blog post delves into Jharkhand’s journey towards a Just Transition, highlighting the challenges and opportunities this pivotal shift presents for the state, which is the largest coal producer in India.
Understanding Just Transition
- Definition and Origins: Just Transition is a framework that has evolved since the 1980s, focusing on the shift from a fossil fuel-reliant economy to a green and sustainable economy. It emphasizes ensuring that vulnerable communities and workers in the traditional energy sectors are not left behind.
- Relevance to Jharkhand: For a state like Jharkhand, which has a significant stake in coal production, Just Transition is not just about environmental sustainability but also about socio-economic equity and resilience.
Jharkhand’s Just Transition Task Force
- Formation and Composition: A year after India’s commitments at COP26, Jharkhand constituted its first “Just Transition” taskforce. This 17-institution strong body aims to address seven thematic areas crucial for a holistic transition.
- Current Status and Challenges: Despite its ambitious inception, the task force’s progress on the ground, especially in reducing coal dependency, has been slow, highlighting the complex interplay between economic reliance on coal and environmental commitments.
Key Challenges in Jharkhand’s Transition
- Continued Coal Production: Despite the Just Transition efforts, coal production in Jharkhand is expected to increase significantly by 2025-26. This is juxtaposed with the state hosting the highest number of coal mines auctioned in India since 2014.
- Mine Closure and Land Reclamation: Scientific mine closure and land reclamation remain significant challenges. There’s a conspicuous gap in policy and practice, leading to abandoned mines and missed opportunities for land restoration and sustainable community use.
- Policy and Implementation Gaps: The lack of clear policies for formally closing mines and returning the land to communities adds to the complexities of Just Transition in Jharkhand.
Also Read: The Legacy of Rajmahal Hills and the Peril of Illegal Mining
Opportunities for a Sustainable Transition
- Alternative Livelihoods: There is a growing demand among coal workers for alternative livelihood options, with agriculture emerging as a preferred choice. This opens pathways for integrating sustainable practices and renewable energy projects that can offer new employment opportunities.
- Skill Training and Capacity Building: Investing in skill training and capacity building can play a pivotal role in preparing the workforce for new green jobs, thereby making the transition equitable and inclusive.
The Role of Coal in Jharkhand’s Future
- A Dual Pathway: While transitioning to renewable energy sources is a priority, coal is expected to remain a part of Jharkhand’s energy landscape for the foreseeable future. Balancing coal production with environmental sustainability and community welfare is crucial.
- Government Initiatives: Efforts like the scientific closure of mines and the identification of abandoned mines for closure indicate a move towards reconciling coal mining activities with environmental and social responsibilities.
Moving Forward: Strategies for a Just Transition in Jharkhand
- Strengthening Policy Frameworks: There is an urgent need for robust policies that ensure the formal closure of mines, land reclamation, and the return of land to communities and government for sustainable use.
- Community Engagement and Compensation: Engaging with local communities and ensuring fair compensation and alternative livelihood opportunities will be key to a successful transition.
- Investment in Renewable Energy: Scaling up investments in renewable energy infrastructure and projects can provide a sustainable pathway for Jharkhand’s energy future, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
Conclusion
Jharkhand’s journey towards a Just Transition is fraught with challenges but also filled with opportunities. By addressing policy gaps, investing in renewable energy, and ensuring community welfare, Jharkhand can pave the way for a sustainable and equitable energy future. The state’s efforts and experiences can serve as a valuable model for other regions navigating their paths to a Just Transition.
As Jharkhand strides towards reconciling its economic dependencies with environmental and social responsibilities, the lessons learned will be instrumental for India and other coal-dependent economies worldwide. The journey of Jharkhand’s Just Transition is a testament to the complex but necessary balance between sustaining livelihoods and preserving our planet for future generations.
Let’s do some knowledge check.
Question 1
Jharkhand’s Just Transition task force का मुख्य लक्ष्य क्या है?
A) कोयला उत्पादन बढ़ाना
B) सामुदायिक कल्याण सुनिश्चित करते हुए अक्षय ऊर्जा की ओर संक्रमण
C) सभी कोयला खदानों का निजीकरण
D) सभी प्रकार की खनन गतिविधियों पर प्रतिबंध
Correct Answer: B) सामुदायिक कल्याण सुनिश्चित करते हुए अक्षय ऊर्जा की ओर संक्रमण (To transition towards renewable energy while ensuring community welfare)
Question 2
COP26 में भारत ने किस वर्ष तक शुद्ध शून्य उत्सर्जन प्राप्त करने का संकल्प लिया?
A) 2050
B) 2070
C) 2030
D) 2045
Correct Answer: B) 2070
Question 3
झारखंड भारत की कितने प्रतिशत कोयला खदानों का हिस्सा है?
A) 10%
B) 26%
C) 35%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: B) 26%
Question 4
निम्न में से कौन सा झारखंड के Just Transition task force के फोकस क्षेत्रों में नहीं है?
A) आजीविका
B) कोयला संक्रमण
C) इलेक्ट्रिक मोबिलिटी
D) परमाणु ऊर्जा विकास
Correct Answer: D) परमाणु ऊर्जा विकास (Nuclear energy development)
Question 5
झारखंड में Just Transition प्राप्त करने में एक महत्वपूर्ण चुनौती क्या है?
A) कोयला भंडार की अनुपस्थिति
B) अक्षय ऊर्जा में रुचि की कमी
C) खदान बंदी और भूमि पुनर्वास में नीति और कार्यान्वयन की खाई
D) सौर ऊर्जा का अतिरेक उत्पादन
Correct Answer: C) खदान बंदी और भूमि पुनर्वास में नीति और कार्यान्वयन की खाई (Policy and implementation gaps in mine closure and land reclamation)
