Question

Which Indian state is most associated with the controversial practice of rat-hole mining?

• A. Jharkhand
• B. Meghalaya
• C. Odisha
• D. Chhattisgarh

Hint:

{Rat-hole mining} is mainly associated with {Meghalaya} and was banned by the {National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014} due to environmental and safety concerns.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Rat-hole mining is a form of coal mining in which narrow horizontal tunnels are dug into hillsides to extract coal. These tunnels are often very small and unsafe, allowing miners to crawl inside to remove coal manually. This mining practice is most commonly associated with the state of Meghalaya in northeastern India. The method became controversial due to:

• Unsafe working conditions for miners
• Frequent mining accidents
• Environmental damage
• Water pollution due to acid mine drainage

Because of these concerns, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in Meghalaya in 2014.
Step 1: Identify the state known for rat-hole mining.
Rat-hole mining has been widely practiced in the coal-rich areas of the Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya.
Step 2: Eliminate other options.

• Jharkhand – Known for large-scale mechanized coal mining.
• Odisha – Known for iron ore and bauxite mining.
• Chhattisgarh – Major coal and mineral mining but not rat-hole mining.

Thus, the Indian state most associated with the controversial practice of rat-hole mining is Meghalaya.