Coal India Ltd and The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Heartfulness, led by Revered Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. The event, held at Kanha Shanti Vanam near Hyderabad, was graced by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, along with Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, senior officials from Coal India, SCCL and Heartfulness representatives.

The agreements aim to restore closed mine sites by developing green cover and sustainable ecosystems through resources provided by the Heartfulness Institute, in line with the Government’s RECLAIM initiative. RECLAIM stands for Reach-out, Envision, Co-design, Localise, Act, Integrate, and Maintain — a community engagement framework designed to guide mine closure and repurposing efforts.

Based on international best practices and standards including those from the ICMM (2022), Sustainable Development Goals and IFC Performance Standards, the initiative will help sequester hazardous gases, replenish soil quality and generate sustainable livelihoods for communities affected by mine closures. The MoUs seek to transform extraction affected regions into spaces of renewal and opportunity while strengthening local institutions.

Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasised the Government’s commitment to restoring closed mines scientifically and sustainably, stating, “By partnering with Heartfulness, whose success is evident at Kanha Shanti Vanam, we will enhance ecological restoration and long-term socio-economic growth through livelihood generation.”

Revered Daaji added, “It is our responsibility to give back to nature and communities impacted by mining by creating viable ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods across the country.”

The RECLAIM framework is supported by practical tools, templates and field-tested methods tailored for India, with a strong focus on gender inclusivity, vulnerable groups’ representation and integration with Panchayati Raj Institutions to ensure an equitable transition.