Coal Sector Greening India's Barren Lands
COAL & MINING

Coal Sector Greening India's Barren Lands

India's coal sector is undertaking a significant environmental initiative by transforming 50,000 hectares of barren land into green forests. This monumental effort aligns with the country's commitment to sustainability and combating climate change.

State-run coal companies, known as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), have been pivotal in this transformation. Over the last few years, these PSUs have planted millions of saplings across vast expanses of mined-out and degraded lands. The initiatives include diverse greening methods such as block plantation, avenue plantation, grassland creation, and even high-tech solutions like drone seeding in difficult terrains.

In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the coal sector surpassed its target by bringing over 2,734 hectares under green cover. This included the planting of over 51 lakh saplings and grassing over 372 hectares to stabilise soil and prevent erosion. Such efforts not only rehabilitate the land but also enhance local biodiversity, improve air quality, and contribute to the global carbon sink, which is crucial for mitigating climate change.

The greening drive supports India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, aiming to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030 through increased forest and tree cover. This initiative also dovetails with the National Mission for a Green India, part of the country's larger climate action plan.

Beyond afforestation, the coal PSUs are developing eco-parks and promoting mine tourism, integrating 15 eco-parks into local tourism circuits and planning 19 more. These parks not only serve as recreational spots but also play a role in environmental education and conservation.

Overall, India's coal sector is demonstrating a balanced approach to meeting energy demands while prioritising environmental stewardship. These efforts highlight a sustainable model of development where coal production coexists with substantial ecological restoration, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

India's coal sector is undertaking a significant environmental initiative by transforming 50,000 hectares of barren land into green forests. This monumental effort aligns with the country's commitment to sustainability and combating climate change. State-run coal companies, known as Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), have been pivotal in this transformation. Over the last few years, these PSUs have planted millions of saplings across vast expanses of mined-out and degraded lands. The initiatives include diverse greening methods such as block plantation, avenue plantation, grassland creation, and even high-tech solutions like drone seeding in difficult terrains. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the coal sector surpassed its target by bringing over 2,734 hectares under green cover. This included the planting of over 51 lakh saplings and grassing over 372 hectares to stabilise soil and prevent erosion. Such efforts not only rehabilitate the land but also enhance local biodiversity, improve air quality, and contribute to the global carbon sink, which is crucial for mitigating climate change. The greening drive supports India's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, aiming to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030 through increased forest and tree cover. This initiative also dovetails with the National Mission for a Green India, part of the country's larger climate action plan. Beyond afforestation, the coal PSUs are developing eco-parks and promoting mine tourism, integrating 15 eco-parks into local tourism circuits and planning 19 more. These parks not only serve as recreational spots but also play a role in environmental education and conservation. Overall, India's coal sector is demonstrating a balanced approach to meeting energy demands while prioritising environmental stewardship. These efforts highlight a sustainable model of development where coal production coexists with substantial ecological restoration, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?