Distance Gradient Effects of Coal Mining on Tree Composition and Forest Structure of Pasan Range of Katghora Forest Division, Chhattisgarh, India

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of mining-related disturbances on forest structure and biodiversity in tropical dry deciduous forests within the Katghora Forest Division of Chhattisgarh, India. Vegetation sampling was carried out across four zones situated at increasing distances from a coal mining site to assess variations in species composition, diversity, and structural attributes. Sixty species and 3,007 individual trees were recorded and analyzed using ecological indices, including the Shannon-Wiener Index, Simpson's Dominance and Diversity Indices, Pielou's Evenness, and Margalef's Richness Index. Results revealed a gradient in forest conditions. Zone I (nearest to the mining site) showed the highest species richness but the lowest basal area, suggesting early successional stages with high disturbance. In contrast, Zone IV (farthest from the mine) exhibited higher basal area, evenness, and diversity, indicative of a more mature and stable forest. One-way ANOVA confirmed significant differences in ecological parameters across zones. The findings highlight the adverse effects of mining on forest ecosystems and underscore the need for restoration and conservation efforts to maintain ecological resilience in disturbed landscapes.