Gyaan Sharing - Purse Seine and Coal Sector

Purse Seine
Gyaan was shared in yesterdays compilation where there was a news regarding Indian fisherman agreeing to not using Purse Seine for fishing in Palk Bay. Just adding on to it.
What is Seine fishing?

Seine fishing (or seine-haul fishing) is a method of fishing that employs a seine or dragnet. A seine is a fishing net that hangs vertically in the water with its bottom edge held down by weights and its top edge buoyed by floats. Seine nets can be deployed from the shore as a beach seine, or from a boat.

There are two main types of seine net deployed from seiners: purse seines and Danish seines.

A common type of seine is a purse seine, named such because along the bottom are a number of rings. A line (referred to as a purse-line) passes through all the rings, and when pulled, draws the rings close to one another, preventing the fish from "sounding", or swimming down to escape the net. This operation is similar to a traditional style purse, which has a drawstring. 

Below image will make it more clear:

Its impact are:

• Environmental Because of its characteristics there is no impact on the bottom habitat (except when the water depth is less than the height of the seine during the fishing operations and that the lower edge of the gear wipes the sea bottom).
• Species 

1. The main negative impact is the incidental capture of dolphins in certain fishing areas. 
2. When small purse seines are used with light attraction, there may be incidental catch/bycatch (including too small fish, juveniles or endangered species). 

Following editorial from Indian express has been shared by one of the readers

Coal and correction

All coal mines were nationalized in 1973 through the Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act except a certain few, like the Tisco mines. Following this, Coal India Ltd (CIL) was formed in 1975 and entrusted with coal production and distribution. This is the origin of CIL’s monopoly.

But soon after this monopoly was created, coal production became inefficient. For instance, between 1972, when coking coal mines were nationalized, and 1991-92, the number of contracted unskilled workers increased dramatically. Many people were employed due to political pressure. Even after the economy was liberalized in 1991-92 and the way paved for private participation in many sectors, there were huge shortages of coal in the country. In 1993, the government thought of opening the sector for private players to operate captive mines — wherein they would be allowed to mine coal for their own consumption. But several private sector firms applied for mining licenses and coal blocks without understanding the complexities of the sector. It seems that the idea of enhancing production through private sector participation in this way has also been set aside.

Given the shortage of coal and the vexing question of how to increase CIL’s productivity, the idea of hiring a consultant to suggest reforms was mooted in early 2013. But while a consultant was engaged, the report is not yet out.

But how should CIL be restructured?

solutions are

1. make CIL subsidiaries independent and allow them to pursue their own goals. The practice of managing inefficiency through cross subsidization among subsidiaries must stop. 
2. the new government must focus on devising a framework to make the sector more competitive. Engaging private players is the best way forward. The question is how this should be done. To start with, power producers must not be seen as competent coal miners. Mining is not their core competence. Coal blocks should be given to specialised coal mining companies — including global mining giants. Not only are they capable of bringing in the required capital but they can also infuse modern technology into the sector.
3. the reduction of unnecessary workers is a highly sensitive issue and must be dealt with very cautiously. Reducing staff will mean a huge loss of employment, especially because CIL’s subsidiaries are overstaffed. Trade unions will naturally oppose such a move. While the new government will have to tread carefully and must keep the interests of the workers in mind, a rationalisation of the number of employees will increase productivity a lot.
4. a second look at the recently set up coal regulator is required. It is not clear whose activity it will regulate, given that the sector is monopolistic. If at all, the regulator must be given a say in pricing so that the intended objectives can be achieved. 
5. the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited must be reimagined as the technical arm of the coal ministry along the same lines as the Central Electricity Authority.
6. a single window clearance approach is required. Separate local offices at the state level that have representatives from various ministries should be empowered to give clearances. This will help bring in transparency and speed up the entire process. 
7. in most cases where a coal mine has to be set up, a large share of the land belongs to the state government. The Centre must try to encourage and facilitate the quick transfer of land from the state government to the mining project owner.