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Open cast coal mining with adoption of large-scale mechanization lead to release of huge quantity of dust and gaseous pollutants, which is changing environmental scenario of coalmines, and adversely affecting the human health as well as associated things. One of the representative open cast coal mine area (Bina) of northern coal fields limited (NCL), India was selected. Ambient air quality monitoring and phytosociological studies of plant species were performed at different study sites that represent impact of various mining activities including one reference site. Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of plants were calculated by analyzing some biochemical parameters and considering important socioeconomic and biological properties of plants. The present study suggests that eco-management approach should be the priori choice for the long-term air pollution management in open cast coal mines along with other conventional strategies. Plants with high APTI and API values were recommended (especially keystone species) that play a key role in the development and maintenance of the ecosystem along with high socioeconomic and aesthetic value.

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Sudhir Kumar Pandey, Ph.D. (Botany). Nine years experience in the field of air pollution, with special emphasis to study of emerging air toxics and their management in varied environmental conditions. Presently affiliated with Department of Environment & Energy, Sejong University, Seoul (Republic of Korea) as a postdoctoral research scientist.

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