Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)—namely Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)—are actively undertaking ecological restoration of mined-out and barren lands across coal-bearing states in India. Through a mix of scientific, biological, and technical interventions, these PSUs are reclaiming degraded landscapes and promoting sustainable environmental management.
Over the past five years, these PSUs have carried out extensive ecological restoration efforts. The state-wise and year-wise land reclaimed (in hectares) for ecological purposes between 2020–21 and 2024–25 is as follows:
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Assam: 3.74 ha
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Chhattisgarh: 1072.57 ha
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Jharkhand: 825.44 ha
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Madhya Pradesh: 1403.75 ha
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Maharashtra: 804.14 ha
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Odisha: 358.14 ha
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Rajasthan: 48.00 ha
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Tamil Nadu: 659.01 ha
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Telangana: 3059.50 ha
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Uttar Pradesh: 360.86 ha
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West Bengal: 561.45 ha
Total reclaimed area: 9,156.60 hectares
For the financial year 2025–26, Coal and Lignite PSUs have set a target of reclaiming and afforesting 2,800 hectares of land. Various modern and nature-based techniques are being used, including drone-based seed broadcasting, Miyawaki plantations, and seed ball techniques.
In parallel with land reclamation, the Ministry of Coal is collaborating with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and State Governments to promote safe and sustainable use of treated mine water for domestic and irrigation needs in coal mining regions. To regulate this, PSUs have obtained No Objection Certificates (NoCs) from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for groundwater withdrawal.
Several hydrological and ecological restoration measures have also been undertaken to improve the water table and ensure long-term sustainability:
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Rainwater Harvesting: Installation of rooftop and surface harvesting systems across mines, offices, and colonies to boost groundwater recharge.
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Eco-restoration through Plantation: Extensive green cover in mine areas helps reduce soil erosion, control runoff, and improve water retention. Reclaimed pits are being transformed into permanent water reservoirs.
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Water Management Structures: Creation of garland drains, gabion walls, and check dams ensures better control of surface water and reduces sedimentation.
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Hydrogeological Monitoring: Regular groundwater assessments are conducted by CGWA-approved agencies to track aquifer health and restoration success.
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Rejuvenation of Water Bodies: Projects for the revival of traditional and new water bodies around mining zones aim to meet community water needs and enhance local ecosystems.
