Spatio-temporal Impact Analysis of Coal Mining: a Remote Sensing and Gis Based Study in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India

Mining causes massive damage to landscape and biological communities presenting a very rigorous condition for its growth. Coal has been heavily extracted in Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, India and many parts of it have been converted from original lush green landscape to mine spoils. The main aim of the study is to find out the spatial relationship between vegetation and coal mining and to assess its impact on land use/cover. The book consists of five chapters. Chapter I deals with the historical perspectives of coal mining in the district, and details about physical, social and coal aspects are described in Chapter II. Impact of coal mining on land use/cover pattern using multi-temporal remote sensing data is analysed in Chapter III. Chapter IV is concerned with the impact analysis for floristic composition and species diversity. Chapter V critically analyses the threat of coal mining and suggests measures for eco-friendly mining and restoration of soil and vegetation. This book will immensely help the Remote Sensing and GIS fraternity and the environmental science research. It should help the environment conscious people for sustainable utilisation of natural resources.