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Paper short abstract:

This paper explores the challenges of transitioning to renewable energy and the complexities of coal expansion in Jharkhand's North Karanpura, Ramgarh and Auranga coal fields. It also emphasizes the need for a just transition program and addresses the macro-political economic aspects of coal mining.

Paper long abstract:

During the COP 26 meeting, India pledged a transformative shift in its energy sector, aiming to generate 75% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Despite the global attention and India's ranking as the second-largest coal consumer, the post-announcement reality reveals an unexpected expansion in the coal sector, particularly evident in Jharkhand State. This region showcases a complex interplay between renewable energy initiatives and coal expansion projects, highlighting the challenges in aligning conceptual discussions with practical transformations on the ground. While strategic planning for a post-coal future is glimpsed in Jharkhand's diverse energy initiatives, the gap between high-level dialogues and tangible changes in coalfields persists. This paper explores three key facets: examining the macro-political economic landscape of coal mining in India, scrutinizing the complexities of new coal expansions, and addressing the imperative need for a just transition program in coal mine closures. Grounded in recent fieldwork in North Karanpura, Ramgarh, and Auranga in Jharkhand, the analysis provides a nuanced perspective on the critical concerns surrounding India's trajectory in coal consumption and carbon emission reduction. The narrative emphasizes the necessity for practical implications in regions directly affected by coal-related activities.