Aaryan Sharma supervised by Dr. Radhika Krishnan received his Master of Science – Dual Degree  in Computing and Human Sciences (CHD). Here’s a summary of his research work on How Green Was My Valley? A Comprehensive Analysis of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Changes, Environmental Degradation, and Socioeconomic Impacts of Coal Mining in North Karanpura Coalfields (Jharkhand) and Ib Valley Coalfields (Odisha):

Coal mining has long served as a cornerstone of India’s industrial growth, energy security, and regional employment, powering not only factories and cities but also shaping the economic aspirations of mineral-rich states. However, behind its promise of development lies a complex terrain of ecological disruptions, social displacements, and uneven gains—making it imperative to critically examine the long-term impacts of coal extraction on landscapes and communities. This thesis undertakes an interdisciplinary analysis of the spatial, environmental, and socio-economic transformations induced by coal mining over the past five decades in two of India’s most prominent coalfields: North Karanpura in Jharkhand and the Ib Valley in Odisha. Leveraging remote sensing data and GIS-based change detection methods, the study maps and quantifies Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes across five time points. The results reveals an enormous and consistent expansion of open-cast mining zones—North Karanpura grew from 6.6 km² in 1973 to 49.6 km² in 2023, and Ib Valley from 0.12 km² in 1976 to 49.49 km² in 2024, accompanied by corresponding losses in dense vegetation, agricultural lands, and wetland ecosystems. Simultaneously, settlements increased manifold, reflecting rapid industrialisation and demographic shifts driven by labour migration and urban sprawl led to environmental degradation, including air and water pollution, biodiversity loss, and the depletion of potable water sources. The thesis also explores the human dimensions of these transformations, drawing upon census data, land acquisition records, and socio-demographic indicators to assess patterns of displacement, changes in literacy and employment, and the growing rural-urban divide. It highlights how industrial expansion has often excluded local and indigenous communities from its benefits, raising questions about justice, equity, and governance in resource management. By integrating geospatial evidence with socio-economic narratives, the study not only documents the material footprint of coal mining but also critiques the institutional and policy mechanisms that have enabled its unchecked growth. Ultimately, the research calls for a more sustainable, inclusive, and spatially aware approach to development in India’s coal-bearing regions.

October 2025