Livelihood transitions to and away from the coal economy in India

As coal mines expand across Central and Eastern India, rural groups typically protest against displacement and demand better compensation. Meanwhile, and often in the immediate vicinity of the expanding mines, people previously displaced but now working in the coal economy protest against mine closures. Millions across the country are situated somewhere between attempts to protect agrarian livelihoods and keeping a job in the coal economy mainly seeking to get by as their lives slowly become increasingly conflated with, and dependent on, coal. In this chapter we draw on long-term and recent engagements across two coal-producing states in India to reflect on difficult livelihood transitions to and away from coal mining. We attempt to untangle the seemingly contradictory responses of protests against new mines but also against subsequent closures years later when the coal is exhausted. We highlight coalfield conditions characterised by deep uncertainty about what the future holds, where just getting by within the informal coal economy appears the most feasible option for many. As the mines inevitably close, the livelihood transition away from coal may represent additional challenges compared to the earlier transition from farming to mining as it leaves a majority lacking assets like land or professional degrees when they yet again seek alternative livelihoods. Environmental governance policies would do well to harness the human energy and ability of millions of informal workers for more productive, equitable and sustainable outcomes.