TFP Bureau, New Delhi, October 30, 2025: The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved remarkable progress under the Government of India’s Special Campaign 5.0, an initiative aimed at improving cleanliness, efficiency, and sustainability across public offices and industrial sectors. South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has taken the lead by installing 43 bio-toilets across its mining zones, while other coal companies have implemented innovative waste management and eco-friendly initiatives.
SECL’s initiative, aligned with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, reflects the company’s strong commitment to hygiene, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. Sixteen bio-toilets were recently inaugurated in the Sohagpur Area and twenty-seven in the Bhatgaon Area. These installations are designed to ensure better sanitation in remote mining regions where traditional facilities are limited.
The bio-toilets use microbial action to convert waste into non-toxic water and gas, significantly reducing environmental pollution and conserving water resources. The initiative also emphasizes inclusivity by ensuring safe and hygienic facilities for women employees working in field and mining areas—an important step toward creating gender-friendly workplaces.
At the national level, the Ministry of Coal’s progress under Special Campaign 5.0 has surpassed expectations. Between October 2 and October 31, 2025, the Ministry earned a total revenue of ₹42.09 crore through the disposal of scrap and closed 86,307 files. It also achieved 108% of its cleanliness campaign targets and cleared more than 9.15 million square feet of space.
The campaign has seen several noteworthy best practices across Coal India subsidiaries. Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) set up a plastic waste management plant at Bankola Area that converts single-use plastic waste into cogging slippers for use in underground mines—helping reduce deforestation. Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) launched a “Waste to Art” initiative, creating furniture from discarded drums and tyres. Meanwhile, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) transformed mechanical scrap into artistic replicas of the four sacred Char Dham temples, showcasing creativity and sustainability.
In another significant move, Eastern Coalfields introduced fog cannon and mechanical road sweeping machines to curb dust and improve environmental conditions in mining zones. Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) installed additional bio-toilets and created sculptures from iron scrap under its “Waste to Wealth” initiative, while Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) inaugurated two new crèche centres to support working parents.
The success of Special Campaign 5.0 highlights the coal sector’s growing focus on responsible mining, circular economy, and improved workplace welfare. With such innovative and sustainable measures, the Ministry of Coal and its subsidiaries continue to set new benchmarks in eco-friendly and people-centric industrial operations.
