Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Mr. G Kishan Reddy, has highlighted the significant contribution of Coal & Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in expanding India’s carbon sink. Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) are actively engaged in large-scale afforestation efforts in and around coal and lignite mining areas. These initiatives align with the national objective of creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
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Since FY 2019-20, Coal and Lignite PSUs have brought approximately 13,317 hectares under green cover, with an estimated carbon sequestration potential of 6.68 lakh tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, according to an assessment by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). To further enhance 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 programs, multiple monitoring mechanisms have been implemented, including scientific reclamation, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic integration. These afforestation activities are primarily executed by State Forest Departments and State Forest Development Corporations, which oversee maintenance for up to five years until the plantations become self-sustaining. The survival rates of plantations are jointly assessed to measure their success.
Before initiating any new or expanded coal mining projects, 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 damage. 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 include reclaiming degraded land through bio-reclamation and planting native species to restore biodiversity. Overburden material from mining is repurposed for infrastructure projects, reducing land degradation and minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainable mine water management is also a key focus, ensuring that water resources are effectively utilized for irrigation and community use. Environment Management Plans (EMPs) are implemented across mining operations to integrate 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, carried out through State Forest Departments and Corporations, actively involve local communities in activities such as nursery development, plantation, maintenance, and security. These initiatives generate employment opportunities while fostering economic and social benefits.
The information was provided by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Mr. G Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
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