In the fiscal year 2023-24, the commitment of the Coal Ministry to environmental conservation has exceeded expectations, with the planting of over 51 lakh saplings, covering more than 2734 hectares of land. This surpasses the set fiscal target of 2400 hectares. Additionally, 372 hectares have been grassed, stabilizing soil, improving moisture retention, and preventing erosion in reclaimed land. During the previous fiscal year 2022-23, Coal/Lignite 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 contributed significantly to green cover by adding 10,894 hectares through the planting of more than 233 lakh saplings, guided by the supervision of the Coal Ministry. Massive annual plantation drives are undertaken in the coal sector, covering various areas such as avenue plantation, overburden dumps, residential colonies, riverbanks, and roadsides. Innovative methods like miyawaki plantation, seed ball plantation, grassland development, and drone technology for challenging terrains have been adopted.
India’s Coal Sector has made substantial progress in transforming its ecological footprint, aligning with the nation’s sustainability goals and environmental conservation. With a continuous focus on greening and reclamation of mined-out areas, Coal/Lignite PSUs have played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s forest and tree cover. These efforts align with the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) and contribute to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitment to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030.
Beyond afforestation, the coal sector actively promotes the development of eco-parks and mine tourism sites. Fifteen eco-parks/mine tourism sites have been successfully established, with seven integrated into the local tourism circuit. Looking ahead, Coal/Lignite PSUs plan to develop 19 new eco-parks/tourism sites in coal mining areas, fostering sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. The estimated funds for these initiatives amount to a substantial ₹128 crore. The eco-parks, incorporating tree plantations and grasslands, serve as vital components of green landscapes and function as carbon sinks.
These achievements underscore the dedication and relentless efforts of Coal/Lignite PSUs in contributing to India’s environmental sustainability goals.