Coal sector’s green initiatives expand India’s land cover
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Coal Ministry’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation reached new heights as over 51 lakh saplings were planted, effectively bringing more than 2734 hectares of land under a lush green canopy. This achievement surpassed the initial target of 2400 hectares. Additionally, 372 hectares have been rejuvenated with grass cover, stabilising soil, enhancing moisture retention, and preventing erosion on restored land. During the preceding fiscal year 2022-23, coal and lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Ministry of Coal planted around 50 lakh saplings, covering 2370 hectares of land.
Over the past five years, coal and lignite PSUs have significantly expanded India’s green cover by planting over 233 lakh saplings, reclaiming and greening 10,894 hectares of land. This remarkable endeavour, under the vigilant guidance and supervision of the Coal Ministry, has been realised through annual large-scale plantation initiatives across various areas, including avenue plantations, overburden dumps, residential colonies, riverbanks, and roadsides. Innovative techniques such as miyawaki plantation, seed ball plantation, grassland development, and drone technology for planting in challenging terrains have been embraced.
India’s coal sector has emerged as a key contributor to the nation’s environmental sustainability goals and ecological conservation. Focused on improving the ecological balance and restoring mined-out areas, coal and lignite PSUs have played a pivotal role in augmenting the nation’s forest and tree cover. These initiatives align not only with the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), a critical component of the National Action Plan on Climate Change, but also contribute to India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030.
In addition to afforestation efforts, 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, with seven integrated into the local tourism circuit. Looking ahead, these PSUs have ambitious plans to create 19 new eco-parks and tourism sites in coal mining areas, fostering sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The estimated investment for these initiatives is a substantial ₹128 crore. These eco-parks, featuring tree plantations and grasslands, serve as essential components of green landscapes and function as carbon sinks. These accomplishments underscore the dedication and relentless efforts of coal and lignite PSUs in contributing to India’s environmental sustainability goals.
