**Policy Summary: Repurposing Closed Coal Mines for Tourism and Community Benefit**
The Ministry of Coal and Mines is promoting the repurposing of closed coal mines into tourist destinations, cultural centers, and other beneficial uses, drawing inspiration from international examples in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India have already initiated various repurposing projects, including ecoparks, mine tourism sites, recreational parks, pisciculture in mine voids, and solar power projects. Examples include Bishrampur Kenapara and Ananya Vatika (SECL), Saoner Eco Park (WCL), Kayakalp Vatika and Pisciculture at Kerketta Mine Void (CCL), C S Azad Eco Park (MCL), Sindoor Eco Park and Mango Orchard (ECL), and Parasnath Udyan (BCCL).
The "Guidelines for Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Blocks 2025" guide these efforts, emphasizing scientific and socially responsible mine closure. The guidelines focus on land reclamation, environmental restoration, and post-mining utilization for community and economic benefit, with specific directions for minimizing ecological damage, rehabilitating land, and integrating activities like agriculture, pisciculture, ecoparks, waterbody restoration, green energy, and cultural/heritage promotion. Local community engagement in the operation and maintenance of repurposed sites is encouraged to foster employment and cultural relevance.
While Coal/Lignite PSUs are increasing production to meet energy needs, permanent workers from closed mines are redeployed to active mines. Mine Closure Guidelines and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies mandate skill development and livelihood programs for local communities. A minimum of 25% of the five-yearly escrow amount deposited for mine closure is allocated for community development and livelihood activities. Furthermore, 10% of the final mine closure cost is earmarked for "Just Transformation," to be used in consultation with district administrations and stakeholders for socioeconomic transition, skill development, and sustained livelihood support in post-mining areas.
This information was provided by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Coal: The Indian government ministry responsible for the development of the coal sector.
Germany: A country where closed coal mines have been repurposed.
United Kingdom: A country where closed coal mines have been repurposed.
Australia: A country where closed coal mines have been repurposed.
Guidelines for Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Blocks2025: Guidelines providing directions for mine closure, land reclamation, and environmental restoration.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where information was provided.
G. Kishan Reddy: Union Minister of Coal and Mines who provided information in a written reply.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Policies under which PSUs undertake skill development and livelihood programmes for local communities
Ministry of Coal
Development of Closed Coal Mines as Tourist
Places
Posted On: 06 AUG 2025 3:36PM by PIB Delhi
In countries such as Germany, United Kingdom and Australia, a few closed coal mines have been repurposed
into tourist spots, cultural centres, reservoirs or for industrial purposes etc.
Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have undertaken various repurposing initiatives, such as
the development of eco-parks, mine tourism sites, recreational parks, pisciculture in mine voids, solar power
projects and other community-oriented facilities. Some notable examples include:
Bishrampur (Kenapara) and Ananya Vatika in South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
(cid:108)
Saoner Eco Park in Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
(cid:108)
Kayakalp Vatika and Pisciculture at Kerketta Mine Void in Central Coalfields Limited (CCL)
(cid:108)
C S Azad Eco Park at Orient Mine No. 4 in Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)
(cid:108)
Sindoor Eco Park and Mango Orchard at Jhanjra in Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)
(cid:108)
Parasnath Udyan in Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)
(cid:108)
In India, closure and repurposing of coal mines are now undertaken as per the Guidelines for Preparation of
Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Blocks-2025. These guidelines emphasize scientific
and socially responsible mine closure, including land reclamation, environmental restoration and post-mining
utilization for community and economic benefit. These guidelines provide detailed directions for minimizing
long-term ecological damage, rehabilitating land for multiple uses and integrating activities such as
agriculture, pisciculture, eco-parks, waterbody restoration, green energy projects and cultural or heritage
promotion. These guidelines also encourage engagement of local communities in operation and maintenance
of public spaces, fostering employment and enhancing the cultural relevance of post-mining land use.
Coal/Lignite PSUs are currently augmenting production to meet the country’s growing energy needs. In cases
where a mine is closed due to resource exhaustion, permanent workers are redeployed to other operating
mines, ensuring continuity of employment.
Additionally, as per the Mine Closure Guidelines and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies, PSUs
undertake skill development and livelihood programmes for local communities to enhance employability and
create alternative income opportunities. The Guidelines for Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan
for Coal and Lignite Blocks-2025 mandate that a minimum of 25% of the five-yearly escrow amount
deposited for mine closure is to be utilized for community development and livelihood activities. Further,
these guidelines stipulates that 10% of the final mine closure cost is earmarked for Just Transformation. This
amount is to be used in consultation with district administration and stakeholders for socio-economic
transition, skill development and sustained livelihood support in post-mining areas.
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply in
Lok Sabha today.
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Shuhaib T
(Release ID: 2152983)