New Delhi: In a significant push toward environmental sustainability, Coal & Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)—Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)—are actively contributing to India's carbon sink expansion target. These PSUs are engaged in large-scale afforestation efforts in and around coal and lignite mining areas, aligning with the national objective of creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
Since FY 2019-20, Coal and Lignite PSUs have successfully brought approximately 13,317 hectares under green cover. The estimated carbon sequestration potential of these afforestation initiatives stands at around 6.68 lakh tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, based on an assessment by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). To further accelerate these efforts, the Ministry of Coal has set a target of 15,350 hectares for land reclamation and afforestation over the next five years under its Vision Viksit Bharat initiative.
To ensure the effectiveness of these greening initiatives, multiple monitoring mechanisms have been implemented, including scientific reclamation, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic integration. Afforestation activities are primarily executed by State Forest Departments and State Forest Development Corporations, which also oversee maintenance for up to five years until the plantations become self-sustaining. Joint enumeration of survival rates is also conducted to assess the success of these initiatives.
Prior to commencing any new or expansion coal mine project, Coal and Lignite PSUs obtain Environmental Clearance (EC), which involves preparing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to mitigate environmental impact.
Additionally, these PSUs undertake several measures to restore the ecological balance in mining regions. Progressive Mine Closure Plans (PMCP) mandate land reclamation and greenbelt development to rehabilitate mined areas. Eco-restoration efforts focus on reclaiming degraded land through bio-reclamation and the plantation of native species, helping to restore biodiversity. Overburden material from mining activities is utilized for infrastructure projects, reducing land degradation and minimizing environmental impact. Sustainable mine water management practices ensure that water resources are efficiently used for irrigation and community purposes. Environment Management Plans (EMPs) are implemented across mining operations, incorporating air, water, and biodiversity conservation measures while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
A crucial aspect of these afforestation efforts is community participation. The afforestation programs, executed through State Forest Departments and Corporations, actively engage local communities in various activities such as nursery development, plantation, maintenance, and security. These initiatives provide significant employment opportunities to local populations while fostering economic and social benefits.
The information was provided by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)