Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts of Stone Mining in Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh, India

This paper examines the socio-economic and environmental impacts of stone mining in Shivpuri district. A large number of people are dependent on stone mining activities for carrying their livelihoods as stone mining is one of the most economic activities after agricultural practices in Shivpuri district. A high quality stone belt is spread around 100 km area from west to east. Meanwhile, about 60% stone mines are located in the Madhav National Park and other forest areas of the district. Due to large-scale extraction of stones from the forest area, depletion of biodiversity resources was enormous. And as a result, the mining practices were banned and this led to worst socio-economic conditions of the poor rural people. This study also attempts to penetrate the exclusive solutions that support both mining activities for carrying livelihoods and environmental restoration through large-scale plantation campaign. It reveals that if appropriate measures are taken place, mining practices and environmental restoration can go parallel. This study was conducted through collection of data from the primary sources. A case study of the five villages through household level survey was conducted during the years 2009-2011.