Large-Scale Afforestation Drive in Coal Sector Aligns with Sustainable Development Goals
- Prime Minister Acknowledges Coal Companies’ Efforts in Eco-Park Development and Environmental Care
TFP Bureau, New Delhi; Sep 16, 2023: In a remarkable initiative, the Ministry of Coal has been actively collaborating with coal Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to promote extensive afforestation on decoaled land, overburden dumps, and non-coal bearing land. The latest assessment reveals that during the current financial year, coal companies have successfully planted over 43 lakh saplings, covering a vast expanse of 2338 hectares. Over the past five years, they have collectively afforested a staggering 10,000 hectares, utilizing more than 2.24 crore saplings.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has commended the commendable endeavors of coal companies, particularly their efforts in restoring decoaled land through the creation of “Eco-Parks.” He conveyed his appreciation during the inauguration of the Chhattisgarh East Rail Corridor, a dedicated initiative for environmentally sustainable coal evacuation.
The coal sector has wholeheartedly embraced a mission-mode approach to achieve the bio-reclamation of available land. This move has garnered support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, which recognizes such afforestation as contributing to “compensatory afforestation” requirements. Consequently, all coal companies have submitted proposals to their respective State Forest Departments to designate approximately 2800 hectares of decoaled afforested land as “Accredited Compensatory Afforestation Areas” (ACA). This innovative approach will contribute to future demands for diverting coal-bearing forest land to support coal mining activities.
Each coal subsidiary has established a dedicated cell to promote bio-reclamation and plantation efforts. The Coal Ministry has accorded the highest priority to implementing environmentally sustainable measures, thereby ensuring a just transition in coal-producing regions.
This initiative exemplifies the coal sector’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development goals, aligning their operations with a greener, more environmentally responsible future.
