Govt taken various measures for green coal mining

Coal and lignite public sector undertakings (PSUs) have undertaken various environmentally sustainable measures which include greening initiatives, eco-parks, efficient utilization of mine water, gainful utilization of overburden, energy efficiency measures, green credits, first mile connectivity (FMC) projects, deployment of blast-free technology, renewable energy and clean coal initiatives, and scientific closure of mines

This information was given by Minister of Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, an official press release said.

Coal and lignite PSUs have been constantly making efforts to minimize the footprints of coal mining through sustained reclamation and afforestation of areas in and around their operating mines. In 2023-24, about 2,782 hectares were brought under green cover, with 5.45 million saplings planted by the PSUs.

The PSUs developed three eco-parks/mine tourism sites in various coalfields. Mine water, after the application of appropriate treatment methods, is utilized for various purposes such as community supply for domestic and irrigation purposes, industrial use for dust suppression, plantation, firefighting, machinery washing, sprinkling in UG workings, creation of recreational areas, fish farming, and groundwater recharge.

They have also entered into MoUs with respective state governments for community water supply. In 2023-24, about 4,892 lakh kilolitres of mine water was offered for community purposes.

Extracting sand from overburden (OB) for construction and stowing material supports sustainable development by providing affordable sand and reducing the land required for OB dumps. As of March 2024, coal and lignite PSUs commissioned four OB processing plants and five OB to M-Sand Plants.

The PSUs have been taking various energy conservation and efficiency measures over the years. In 2023-24, initiatives such as the replacement of 1.37 lakh conventional lights with LED lights, installation of 2,165 energy-efficient air conditioners, 46,750 super fans, deployment of 153 electric vehicles, and utilization of 531 efficient water heaters, 338 energy-efficient motors for pumps, 1,430 auto timer in street lights among others, have resulted in remarkable savings.

Coal India Ltd and its subsidiaries are also participating in extensive plantations under the Green Credit Programme launched by the Environment Ministry. CIL has already registered for restoration of more than 3,200 Ha of degraded forest land.

Coal PSUs have taken steps to upgrade the mechanized coal transportation and loading system under FMC projects. Commissioning of FMC projects in coal mining areas reduces consumption of diesel significantly, thereby reducing carbon emissions.

Coal companies are deploying modern equipment having environment-friendly features, like surface miner in coal, which eliminates the drilling, blasting and crushing operations in coal and hence. This obviates pollution caused due to these operations. Rippers are also being deployed for blast-less removal of overburden in some mines.

Coal PSUs have also started commissioning renewable energy power projects. Additionally, they are venturing into various clean coal technologies like coal bed methane or CBM, the release said.