Making Coal Mining "Green"

Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi shares how efforts have been taken over the last nine years to push for sustainable mining by balancing environment concerns with ensuring adequate coal and lignite supply in the country to meet growing energy needs.

We want sustainable coal mining that is why we are planting trees in huge numbers on mined out land. We are also trying to store mine water to make it available for irrigation, treating the water for drinking and other use. Apart from that we have earmarked Rs. 6000 crore for coal gasification where emission is comparatively less. From 2014-15 to 2022-23, we have increased the green cover over about 16262 hectares of land, planting about 37.03 million saplings. All efforts are being made to maintain this also. By reclaiming of mining land through afforestation and conservation of water bodies, we have been able to promote eco-tourism in 30 places where families are able to enjoy the various facilities provided.

In keeping with the target set by the Prime Minister, together with the power ministry, we have set a target to meet 50% of our energy need through non-fossil fuel power generation. While addressing the environment concern, we are ensuring that our energy need is also met, which is very important. Currently, India's per capita power consumption is among the lowest in the world. It is not possible to live in darkness to protect the environment, so we are trying to balance both concerns by pushing for coal gasification. Talcher Fertilisers is a good example of how coal gasification can be used for production of ammonia/urea in future. The fertilizer unit also has a coal based captive power plant, which uses coal from the Talcher mines. We want to make coal gasification on commercial terms. As some companies have claimed that they have the requisite technology for coal gasification, therefore bids will be invited.