Centre Details Just Transition Plans for Coal Mine Closures

04 Aug 2025 CW Team

In response to queries raised by Khammam MP Ramasahayam Raghurama Reddy in the Lok Sabha, the Central government outlined a broad strategy to support livelihoods, boost renewable energy adoption, and reinforce food security in areas affected by coal mine closures.

During the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, Reddy sought updates on the just transition process, renewable energy progress, and implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Written responses from Union Ministers showcased the Centre’s multipronged commitment to sustainable development and welfare.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, stated that under the mining plan and closure guidelines issued on 31 January 2024, the government is undertaking rehabilitation and resettlement measures for families impacted by mine closures. He emphasised a “just transition” approach aimed at mitigating adverse effects on workers, local communities, and the environment.

Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, informed the House that India’s installed renewable energy capacity reached 43,922 megawatts as of 30 June 2024. This includes capacity added by agencies such as the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), NTPC, and others. The government has accelerated Power Sale Agreement (PSA) signings and introduced revised bidding guidelines to support further solar and wind infrastructure development.

On food security, Minister of State for Food and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bamania, reported that the NFSA currently benefits 813.5 million people, based on 2011 Census data. The coordinated updates underscore the Centre’s efforts to manage the socio-economic shift away from coal dependency, while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services such as food distribution and employment support.

Infrastructure Urban

10 Mar 2026

ABB to Invest Rs 6.25 Billion to Expand India Manufacturing

ABB recently announced plans to invest approximately Rs 6.25 billion ($75 million) in India during 2026 to expand its manufacturing footprint and research and development capabilities. The investment follows more than $35 million spent in 2025 and reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its ‘local-for-local’ strategy in the country.The investment will support ABB’s Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses and expand manufacturing capacity for infrastructure sectors such as renewable energy, metro rail, data centres and industrial applications. Approximately 300..

Six WOLFF Cranes Handle 60,000 m³ Concrete for German Hospital

Six WOLFF tower cranes are playing a key role in constructing a new hospital complex in Memmingen, Germany, supporting large-scale material handling for the project. The facility is being built on a 7.7-hectare site and will feature six floors, around 480 beds and a gross floor area exceeding 75,000 sq m.Building shell works began recently in February 2025. One WOLFF 6531.12 Cross crane supported early site preparation before being dismantled in autumn 2025, while five remaining cranes continue operations. Over an average deployment period of 16 months, the cranes are expected to move approxim..

REC Funds Rs 115.6 Million CSR Support for Bihar Eye Hospital

REC recently committed Rs 115.6 million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme for the procurement of clinical and non-clinical equipment at Sankara Eye Hospital in Saharsa, Bihar. The initiative aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised eye care services in the region.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was recently signed between Pradeep Fellows, Executive Director (CSR), REC Limited, and Wg Cdr V. Shankar (Retd), Trustee and Executive Director of Sankara Eye Hospital, at the REC office in the SCOPE Complex, New Delhi.The support is expecte..