Indian Economy News

Coal sector brings 2,734 hectares of land under green cover in FY24

In the fiscal year 2023-24, the Coal Ministry's commitment to environmental conservation reached new heights as over 51 lakh saplings were planted, covering over 2,734 hectares of land, and exceeding the current fiscal objective of 2,400 hectares. In addition, grassing has covered 372 hectares of reclaimed land, stabilising the soil, enhancing moisture retention, and halting erosion. The Ministry of Coal's coal/lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) planted almost 50 lakh seedlings over 2,370 hectares of land during the 2022–2023 fiscal year.

Under the guidance and supervision of the Coal Ministry, Coal and Lignite PSUs have planted over 233 lakh saplings, adding 10,894 hectares of land to the green cover during the previous five years.

Every year, the coal sector conducts massive plantation drives that cover a variety of terrain, including avenue plantations, plantations on overburden dumps, residential colonies, riverbanks, and roadsides. Additionally, cutting-edge techniques including drone technology for planting in difficult terrain and Miyawaki Plantation, Seed Ball Plantation, and Grassland Development have been implemented.

India's coal sector has made great progress in changing its ecological footprint, supporting environmental preservation, and the country's sustainability objectives. Coal and lignite PSUs have been instrumental in improving India's forest and tree cover through their unwavering focus on greening and the recovery of mined-out areas.

These initiatives support the National Action Plan on Climate Change's (NDC) commitment to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030 through increased forest and tree cover. They also align with the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), a key component of the NDC.

In addition to reforestation initiatives, the coal sector of India actively supports the growth of mine tourism destinations and eco-parks. The Coal/Lignite PSUs have effectively built 15 eco-parks/mine tourism sites, seven of which are integrated into the local tourism circuit. Looking ahead, Coal/Lignite PSUs have ambitious plans 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 Rs. 128 crore (US$ 15.4 million).

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.