India is gearing up to expand its coal mining operations with plans for 45 new projects over the next five years, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy informed the Rajya Sabha. Of these, Coal India Limited (CIL) will develop 36 mines, Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will open seven, and NLC India Limited (NLCIL) will add two new mines. The Ministry of Coal has allocated 175 coal blocks, with 65 receiving mine opening permissions. Currently, 54 mines are operational, significantly contributing to India's domestic coal output. India's coal production reached 537.57 million tonnes (MT) in the fiscal year up to October 2024, a notable rise from 778.21 MT in 2021-22 and 997.83 MT in 2023-24. Odisha and Chhattisgarh remain the largest producers, with outputs of 142.13 MT and 101.61 MT, respectively, in FY25 (up to October). Coal mining projects, essential for energy security, often pose environmental and social challenges due to extensive land use, including forested areas. To address these, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are conducted, and Environment Management Plans (EMP) are prepared. “Environmental clearances are granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) following public consultations and compliance with mitigation measures,” Reddy stated. Resettlement and rehabilitation for displaced individuals are carried out under the policies of respective companies and states. Water consumption varies by mine design, area, and technology, with primary use for dust suppression and domestic purposes. Approvals for water usage are obtained from the Central Ground Water Authority, supported by hydrogeological studies and groundwater modelling. (ET)