Coal and Lignite PSUs Drive Greening Efforts with Reclamation and Afforestation Initiatives
Key Highlights
- Over 55,312 Ha of land reclaimed and afforested by FY 2023-24.
- Target to reclaim 15,350 Ha by 2028-29 under Vision Viksit Bharat.
- Innovative techniques like Miyawaki plantations and drip irrigation adopted.
- Estimated carbon sink potential: 2.77 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
- Emphasis on biodiversity, socio-economic integration, and scientific reclamation.
India’s Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are making significant strides in environmental conservation through extensive afforestation and land reclamation projects. Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have reclaimed and afforested over 55,312 hectares (Ha) of land up to FY 2023-24. These initiatives are in line with India’s commitment to creating an additional carbon sink, as outlined in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets.
Greening Achievements of Coal and Lignite PSUs
The greening initiatives focus on reclaiming mining areas through biological methods, avenue plantations, and afforestation outside mine leaseholds. The details are as follows:
|
Type of Plantation
|
Area (in Ha)
|
|---|---|
|
Biological Reclamation
|
37,022
|
|
Avenue Plantation
|
14,463
|
|
Plantation Outside Mine Leaseholds
|
3,827
|
|
Total
|
55,312
|
These efforts are estimated to create a carbon sink with the potential to absorb 2.77 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, significantly contributing to India’s environmental goals.
Vision Viksit Bharat: Future Targets
Under the ambitious Vision Viksit Bharat, the Ministry of Coal has set a five-year target for further land reclamation and afforestation. The planned activities are as follows:
|
Financial Year
|
Target for Afforestation (in Ha)
|
|---|---|
|
2024-25
|
2,600
|
|
2025-26
|
2,800
|
|
2026-27
|
3,100
|
|
2027-28
|
3,300
|
|
2028-29
|
3,550
|
|
Total
|
15,350
|
Innovative Techniques for Sustainable Growth
Coal and Lignite PSUs are employing advanced techniques to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of their greening initiatives. These include:
- Seed Ball Plantation: A cost-effective and eco-friendly method to plant trees in difficult terrains.
- Miyawaki Method: A technique for creating dense forests in small areas using native species.
- High-Tech Cultivation: Leveraging modern technologies for enhanced plant growth.
- Bamboo Plantation: Promoting fast-growing bamboo for carbon sequestration and soil stabilization.
- Drip Irrigation: Ensuring water efficiency in plantations, especially in overburden dumps.
Long-Term Sustainability Measures
To ensure the long-term viability of these efforts, the PSUs are implementing:
- Scientific Reclamation: Careful management of topsoil and overburden materials to restore mining areas.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Planting native species and creating habitats for wildlife.
- Remote Sensing Monitoring: Advanced monitoring for evaluating the effectiveness of afforestation.
- Socio-Economic Integration: Reclaimed areas are being repurposed for eco-parks, renewable energy projects, and agroforestry to benefit local communities.
State Forest Departments and Forest Development Corporations actively participate in these afforestation efforts, further enhancing their effectiveness.
The greening initiatives by Coal and Lignite PSUs demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and India’s NDC goals. By employing innovative techniques and involving stakeholders, these efforts contribute not only to ecological restoration but also to socio-economic development, setting a benchmark for sustainable mining practices.
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