Abstract
Manuguru, a historic coal mining hub in India's Godavari Valley Coalfield, embodies the intricate connections between resource extraction and its wide-ranging impacts. For over a century, mining has carved into the land, leaving a legacy beyond mere geographic alterations. It has reshaped ecosystems, reshuffled communities, and fueled socio-economic changes, often along lines of caste and ethnicity. This study delves into this transformative process through a geospatial analysis of land use and land cover (LULC) changes from 1987-2020, utilizing multi-spectral/multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery. With a focus on mining's impact, advanced band spatial indices which are coupled with visual interpretation, unveil eight distinct land cover categories: agricultural land, barren land, forest, mining sites, built-up areas, rivers, stagnant water bodies, and dried water bodies, which provide a quantitative understanding of temporal dynamics.
Beyond the geographical, field work delves into the human story. We explore the socio-economic realities of Manuguru, examining how mining has intensified existing divisions and fostered caste-based tensions. We further investigate how public policies intended for development might have inadvertently contributed to spatial segregation. By integrating geospatial insights with social realities, this study underscores the complex interplay between extractive industries, environmental concerns, and the social fabric. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informed decision-making toward a sustainable future for Manuguru and similar resource-rich landscapes, one that balances progress with social equity and environmental well-being.