Are open-cast coal mines costing a shadow on the Indian environment?

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) follow-up in India is essentially regulator driven. This article explores the role of the regulating agencies within the coal mining sector in India to determine the extent to which the agencies have been successful in ensuring environmental protection through EIA follow-up. In doing so, the work adopts a qualitative approach. Three case studies in three different states in India are examined. These reveal the weaknesses of the regulating agencies in India and the skewed balance of power in favour of the developers. This causes development to completely overshadow environmental concerns. The study conclusions offer suggestions based on how the regulating agencies need to accommodate effective EIA follow-up in the varying contexts of the different states.