Coal Sector Expands Green Cover Over 2734 Hectares in FY 2023-24
- Coal PSUs to Establish 19 New Eco-Parks, Amplifying Environmental Initiatives
- Funds Estimated at ₹128 Crore to Foster Green Landscapes
TFP Bureau, New Delhi; Oct 14, 2023: In a resolute demonstration of their commitment to environmental conservation, the Coal Ministry and its affiliated Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have planted over 51 lakh saplings during the financial year 2023-24.
This endeavor has expanded the green cover to more than 2734 hectares, surpassing the set fiscal year target of 2400 hectares.An additional 372 hectares have been graced with grassing, which effectively stabilizes the soil, enhances moisture retention, and prevents erosion in previously reclaimed land.
During the fiscal year 2022-23, Coal/Lignite PSUs, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Coal, planted approximately 50 lakh saplings, covering 2370 hectares of land.Over the past five years, these PSUs have made a significant contribution to the green cover by adding 10,894 hectares of land, planting over 233 lakh saplings. These endeavors have been conducted under the vigilant guidance and supervision of the Coal Ministry.
Diverse Plantation Drives
Annual plantation drives within the coal sector encompass a broad range of areas. These include avenue plantation, planting on overburden dumps, residential colonies, riverbanks, and roadsides. Innovative methods, such as miyawaki plantation, seed ball plantation, grassland development, and drone technology for planting in challenging terrains, have been employed.India’s Coal Sector has actively engaged in transforming its ecological footprint, thus contributing to the nation’s sustainability goals and broader environmental conservation efforts. Their unwavering commitment to the greening and reclamation of mined-out areas has played a crucial role in bolstering India’s forest and tree cover. These efforts align with the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), a pivotal component of the National Action Plan on Climate Change. Furthermore, they contribute significantly to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goal, aiming to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through the expansion of forest and tree cover by 2030.
Promoting Eco-Parks and Mine Tourism Sites
In addition to afforestation initiatives, the coal sector actively promotes the development of eco-parks and mine tourism sites. Fifteen eco-parks and mine tourism sites have been successfully established by the Coal and Lignite PSUs. Seven of these have been seamlessly integrated into the local tourism circuit. Looking ahead, Coal/Lignite PSUs are poised to embark on an ambitious journey to create 19 new eco-parks and tourism sites in coal mining areas. These efforts aim to nurture sustainable tourism while simultaneously advancing environmental conservation. The estimated funds allocated for these initiatives are substantial, totaling ₹128 crore.
Eco-parks, designed with lush tree plantations and well-maintained grasslands, serve as vital components of green landscapes and effectively function as carbon sinks.These achievements underscore the unwavering dedication and persistent efforts of Coal and Lignite PSUs in their meaningful contribution to India’s environmental sustainability goals.
