India’s Push for Carbon Reduction in Mining Operations

18 Mar 2025 CW Team

In alignment with India's Panchamrit goals and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commitments, the Ministry of Coal is advancing sustainable coal mining and reducing carbon emissions through various initiatives. Key measures to cut carbon footprint • Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Coal and lignite PSUs are implementing energy conservation measures, including LED lighting, energy-efficient air conditioners, super fans, EV deployment, efficient water heaters, and energy-saving motors. • Green Credit Program: Coal PSUs are participating in extensive afforestation efforts under the Green Credit Program launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC). • First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Projects: Upgrading mechanised coal transportation and loading systems reduces diesel consumption, significantly lowering emissions. • Blast-Free Mining Technologies: Companies are deploying Surface Miners, Continuous Miners, and Rippers, eliminating drilling, blasting, and crushing to minimise pollution. • Renewable Energy and Clean Coal Technologies: Coal PSUs are commissioning renewable energy projects and exploring coal gasification, coal bed methane (CBM), and other clean coal technologies. Environmental compliance and sustainable practices Coal PSUs are ensuring compliance with Environmental Clearance (EC), Forest Clearance (FC), Consent to Operate (CTO), and Consent to Establish (CTE) while adopting the following sustainability measures: • Expanding surface mining, continuous mining, and longwall mining to reduce environmental impact. • Increasing First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects to cut road-based coal transportation emissions. • Improving energy efficiency across mining operations. • Restoring mined-out areas through eco-restoration, including eco-parks and mine tourism sites. • Repurposing de-coaled land for renewable energy projects, agriculture, and community development initiatives. EIA review guidelines Currently, there are no specific regulations mandating the frequency of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reviews for mining companies, particularly concerning carbon emissions. This information was provided by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. (PIB)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..