Development of Closed Coal Mines as Tourist Places

The Ministry of Coal announced initiatives to repurpose closed coal mines into tourist destinations, eco-parks, cultural centres, and community facilities. Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have been actively developing eco-parks, mine tourism sites, pisciculture projects, solar power plants, and recreational areas. Notable examples include Bishrampur (Kenapara) and Ananya Vatika by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), Saoner Eco Park by Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), Kayakalp Vatika and pisciculture at Kerketta Mine Void by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), C S Azad Eco Park by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), Sindoor Eco Park and Mango Orchard by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), and Parasnath Udyan by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
These initiatives align with the Guidelines for Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Blocks-2025, which emphasise scientific mine closure, land reclamation, and post-mining utilisation for community and economic benefit. The guidelines require at least 25% of the five-yearly escrow amount for mine closure to be used for community development and livelihood activities, while 10% of the final closure cost is earmarked for Just Transformation, focusing on socio-economic transition and skill development in consultation with district authorities. Union Minister of Coal and Mines Mr. G. Kishan Reddy informed that permanent workers of exhausted mines are redeployed to operating ones, while PSUs undertake skill development and livelihood programmes under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to ensure sustainable community support.

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