TFP Bureau, New Delhi, July 21, 2025: India’s major coal and lignite public sector undertakings (PSUs)—Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)—have made significant strides in the ecological restoration and reclamation of mined-out coal lands. These efforts, involving scientific biological and technical reclamation methods, aim to revive barren mining areas and promote environmental sustainability.
According to a statement by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in Rajya Sabha today, over the last five years, a total of 9,156.60 hectares of mined land across various states have been reclaimed for ecological purposes. Key contributors include Telangana with 3,059.50 hectares, Madhya Pradesh with 1,403.75 hectares, and Chhattisgarh with 1,072.57 hectares reclaimed during this period.
For the fiscal year 2025-26, the Coal and Lignite PSUs have set an ambitious target of reclaiming and afforesting 2,800 hectares of mining areas using innovative techniques such as drone-based seed broadcasting, Miyawaki plantations, and seed ball broadcasting.
The Ministry of Coal is actively coordinating with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and state governments to promote the safe use of treated mine water for irrigation and domestic needs in mining regions. The PSUs have secured necessary No Objection Certificates from the Central Ground Water Authority for sustainable groundwater withdrawal.
Additional hydrological and ecological restoration initiatives include:
- Installation of rainwater harvesting systems in mines, offices, and residential colonies to boost groundwater recharge.
- Extensive plantation drives around mining sites to prevent soil erosion and enhance water retention.
- Construction of water management structures such as garland drains, check dams, and gabion walls to manage surface water sustainably.
- Regular hydrogeological monitoring to track groundwater health and restoration progress.
- Rejuvenation of traditional and new water bodies to improve local water availability and support community needs.
These comprehensive measures underscore the commitment of coal PSUs and the government to blend resource extraction with environmental responsibility, aiming for sustainable development in coal mining regions nationwide.
