The Ministry of Coal organized “Chintan Shivir 2.0” at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration to define the coal sector’s future trajectory. The event was chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, and co-chaired by Minister of State, Mr. Satish Chandra Dubey. Senior officials, including Coal Secretary, Mr. Vikram Dev Dutt, along with CMDs and Directors of coal PSUs, participated in the deliberations.
In his keynote address, Mr. Reddy emphasized the coal sector’s pivotal role in ensuring India’s energy security while steering towards sustainable practices. He advocated for adopting cleaner technologies like coal gasification, reducing carbon emissions, and aligning mining practices with global sustainability standards. He also highlighted the importance of safety in mining operations, robust mine closure mechanisms, and community welfare initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
Mr. Vikram Dev Dutt (1993-batch IAS Officer) stressed the need for innovation to boost coal production and streamline evacuation processes to meet rising energy demands. Discussions centered on improving coal transportation infrastructure and integrating environmentally conscious practices into mining operations.
The event included two panel discussions on the future of coal in India and sustainable coal mining with community involvement. Key themes addressed included achieving the 2 billion-tonne production target, adopting clean technologies, enhancing coal viability, and managing mine closures with biodiversity restoration.
The event concluded with Mr. Reddy felicitating coal PSUs for their performance under Special Campaign 4.0 and applauding capacity-building efforts through the iGOT Karmayogi platform. “Chintan Shivir 2.0” reaffirmed the coal sector’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive framework, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
