EVALUATION OF LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES DUE TO LIMESTONE MINING IN AJMER REGION, RAJASTHAN

Mining Engineering

This study investigates the effects of limestone mining on the land environment of the Ajmer region in Rajasthan. Using a combination of field sampling, laboratory analysis, remote sensing, and stakeholder interviews, we examined soil physicochemical properties, land-use/land-cover (LULC) change, vegetation cover, and visible land degradation across active mining sites, buffer zones, and control (undisturbed) areas. Results indicate that active mining areas show significantly lower organic matter, higher bulk density, elevated pH, and visible loss of vegetative cover compared with control sites. LULC analysis shows a net increase in mining/barren land area between 2000 and 2020, mainly at the expense of natural scrub and agricultural land. The findings highlight the need for improved mine rehabilitation, stricter enforcement of buffer zones, and community-inclusive land management strategies. Recommendations for future research include long-term groundwater monitoring, biodiversity assessments, and testing rehabilitation techniques.

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