In a significant move toward sustainable development, the Ministry of Coal (MoC) has announced a series of initiatives and technological interventions aimed at reducing environmental pollution from coal mining activities. These initiatives prioritize air, water, and soil protection, while promoting community welfare and eco-restoration.
✅ Strict Environmental Compliance
All coal mining operations are carried out only after securing mandatory clearances:
- Environmental Clearance (EC)
- Forest Clearance (where applicable)
- Consent to Operate
- Groundwater Clearance
These are monitored regularly by Pollution Control Boards and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Management Plans (EMP) are key tools for assessing and mitigating potential damage.
✅ Key Environmental Safeguards in Place
As per the EIA Notification, 2006, all mining proposals are appraised by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). Environmental Clearances are granted after detailed scrutiny of:
- Mine Plan & Closure Plan
- Dust and noise control measures
- Green belt and biodiversity development
- Post-mining land restoration
✅ Clean Energy Transition & Gasification
To support a cleaner energy ecosystem, the government is actively promoting coal and lignite gasification through the following incentives:
- ₹8,500 crore incentive scheme for public and private gasification projects
- New sub-sector under NRS auctions for syngas production
- Floor pricing for NRS auctions to encourage gasification
- 50% rebate on revenue share for coal used in gasification
- Waivers on technology transfer (ToT) from select countries
✅ Eco-Friendly Mine Closures
The Mine Closure Guidelines (issued on 31 Jan 2025) take a holistic approach:
- Skill development and livelihood generation
- Land restoration and ecosystem rehabilitation
- Active community involvement in post-mining development
✅ CSR and Community-Centric Initiatives
Companies like Coal India Ltd (CIL), NTPC, and DVC are investing in CSR efforts across coal-rich regions like Jharkhand and Odisha. Key activities include:
- Large-scale skill-building programs
- Afforestation drives and sapling distribution
- Conversion of mine voids into reservoirs, eco-parks, and tourism sites (e.g., Saoner Eco Park, Gunjan Park)
- Use of reclaimed land for pisciculture, drinking water, and irrigation
✅ Inclusive Development with State Cooperation
The Government is collaborating with State authorities and local communities to:
- Ensure fair land acquisition and rehabilitation
- Restore mined-out land for productive use
- Promote biodiversity and climate resilience
❌ No Timeline Yet for Coal Mine Phase-Out
The Government clarified that no targets or deadlines have been set for phasing out inefficient coal mines but emphasized that all efforts are being aligned with India’s sustainable development and energy security goals.
These initiatives signal a proactive shift in India’s coal sector—toward greener practices, technological advancement, and community empowerment, without compromising on energy needs.