New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal is set to announce major initiatives focused on sustainable mine closure, ecological restoration, and community development during the release of ‘AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure’ in New Delhi on July 22, 2026.
The event will witness the signing of important agreements aimed at strengthening scientific mine closure practices, promoting post-mining development, and creating livelihood opportunities for communities in coal-bearing regions.
Tripartite MoU for Vocational Training Facilities Under Jharia Master Plan
A key highlight of the event will be the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving:
- Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)
- Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA)
- Hindalco Industries Limited
- Rajdhani Universal Fabrics Private Limited
The agreement will support the establishment of vocational training facilities under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.
The initiative aims to provide skill development opportunities for communities affected by mining activities and support economic diversification in the Jharia region.
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AAROH Report Highlights Scientific Closure of 42 Coal Mines
The Ministry of Coal’s AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure will highlight the scientific closure of 42 coal mines carried out for the first time as per approved mine closure plans.
The report will showcase how closed mines are being transformed through:
- Scientific land reclamation
- Ecological restoration
- Sustainable post-mining land use
- Community-focused rehabilitation initiatives
The programme will demonstrate how former mining areas can be converted into productive assets through planned restoration and sustainable development measures.
Coal Ministry to Partner with GIZ for Mine Closure Cooperation
The Ministry of Coal will also sign an Implementation Agreement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to promote technical cooperation for future coal mine closures.
The partnership will focus on:
- Building institutional capacity
- Sharing technical knowledge
- Adopting global best practices
- Improving scientific mine closure methodologies
- Supporting sustainable post-mining development
The collaboration aims to bring international expertise into India’s mine closure framework and strengthen long-term environmental management.
Union Ministers to Attend AAROH Report Launch Event
The launch event will be attended by senior Union ministers and officials.
The programme will be graced by:
- Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, as Chief Guest
- Mr. Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as Special Guest
- Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, as Special Guest
- Mr. Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, as Guest of Honour
Senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, including Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, Additional Secretary Sanoj Kumar Jha, and Coal Controller Sajeesh Kumar N., will also participate in the event.
Exhibition to Showcase Mine Reclamation and Sustainability Initiatives
The event will feature an exhibition highlighting innovations and achievements in:
- Mine reclamation
- Ecological restoration
- Community rehabilitation
- Sustainable mining practices
The exhibition will showcase initiatives undertaken by:
- Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries
- NLC India Limited
- Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)
- NTPC
- Private mining companies
The showcase will highlight successful efforts toward responsible mining and sustainable development.
Coal NEER Plants to Improve Drinking Water Access
The occasion will also mark the inauguration of Coal NEER Plants established by Coal India Limited through its subsidiaries.
These plants are aimed at improving access to safe and sustainable drinking water in coal-producing regions.
The initiative reflects the government’s focus on improving community welfare and ensuring better living conditions in mining areas.
Focus on Sustainable Post-Mining Development
The Ministry of Coal said these initiatives represent a shift towards treating mine closure as an opportunity for:
- Environmental restoration
- Economic growth
- Community development
- Sustainable land utilization
Through structured frameworks, digital tools, and collaboration among stakeholders, the ministry aims to create a more sustainable future for regions impacted by mining activities.
The initiatives reinforce the government’s commitment to integrating sustainability, innovation, and community participation into India’s coal sector.
