Coal Ministry took pioneering step towards environmental stewardship

New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal has taken a pioneering step towards environmental stewardship with its sustained reclamation and afforestation initiative, aiming to minimize the ecological footprints of coal mining. This initiative exemplified by the success of the Jamuna Open Cast Project (OCP) at South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)., which commenced operations on 30th November 1973, in Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh.

The Jamuna OCP, having served its purpose, ceased mining activities in June 2014, due to resource depletion. Following this, a meticulously planned mine closure was initiated. According to recent satellite data, 88.07% of the quarry area has been successfully reclaimed, showcasing the Ministry's commitment to sustainable coal mining practices.

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A substantial portion of the reclaimed land, covering 672 hectares, has been dedicated to afforestation efforts. Notably, 131 hectares of this afforested land are strategically positioned to serve as a crucial groundwater recharge area, contributing to the broader goal of water conservation.

The Ministry has proposed 579 hectares of reclaimed land under the Accredited Compensatory Afforestation (ACA) program. This forward-looking approach ensures that the land, once utilized for coal mining, is transformed into a green haven that not only restores biodiversity but also aligns with the larger environmental conservation objectives.

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This initiative is a testament to Coal Ministry's commitment to sustainable development and responsible resource management. By adopting such comprehensive measures, the Ministry sets a precedent for the industry, demonstrating that economic activities like coal mining can coexist with environmental preservation.

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