Parliament Question: Just Transition Principles in Coal Sector

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1734 ANSWERED ON- 30/07/2025 JUST TRANSITION PRINCIPLES IN COAL SECTOR 1734. MS. PRANITI SUSHILKUMAR SHINDE: DR. AMAR SINGH: SHRI VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK: SHRI PRADYUT BORDOLOI: SHRI RAMASAHAYAM RAGHURAM REDDY: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has undertaken any review of the implementation of Just Transition principles in the coal sector particularly with regard to the phasing down of coal and support for affected workers and communities and if so, the details thereof; (b) the number of coal mines in the country that have been formally and scientifically closed during the last ten years along with the details of land reclamation undertaken in these cases; (c) the number of abandoned or discontinued coal mines identified by the Government and the steps being taken to prevent illegal mining and environmental degradation at such sites; (d) the details of steps being taken to ensure that coal-dependent communities are provided with alternative livelihoods, skill training and adequate compensation as part of the transition to cleaner energy sources; and (e) the details of India’s current global ranking on Just Transition preparedness along with the steps taken by the Government to improve performance on international benchmarks in this regard? ANSWER MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY) 1(a) India is presently augmenting its domestic coal production to meet the increasing energy requirements of the country. As per the Economic Survey 2022-23, coal production is projected to reach approximately 1,500 million tonnes (MT) by 2030. In the year 2024-25, coal production stands at about 1,047.69 MT. Further, coal demand is expected to continue rising and may peak around 2040. Therefore, there is no scenario of phasing down of coal that would impact workers and communities associated with coal mining in short and medium time frame. (b) During the last ten years (as of 24.07.2025), 11 coal mines have been formally closed in the country in accordance with the guidelines for mine closure, duly approved by the Competent Authority. As per the guidelines, comprehensive land reclamation measures have been undertaken, which include dismantling of structures, sealing of incline mouth and air shaft, subsidence management, spreading of topsoil, landscaping, backfilling, grading of excavated areas, plantation on reclaimed land and creation of water bodies, with the objective of restoring the ecological balance and enabling gainful post-mining land use. (c) As per information provided by coal companies, a total of 341 abandoned, discontinued, or closed coal mines have been identified by the coal companies. Illegal mining of coal generally takes place from abandoned mines and also shallow coal seams situated in remote or isolated areas. Such activities are primarily law and order issues and fall under the domain of the State and District administration. To prevent illegal mining at such sites, the following measures are being undertaken by the coal PSUs in coordination with the State Governments and law enforcement agencies: • Physical Measures: To prevent unauthorized access and illegal activities in abandoned or discontinued coal mines, physical interventions are undertaken, which include sealing of mine entries and erection of concrete walls at the mouth of such mines. Additionally, overburden is strategically dumped in outcrop zones, and check-posts are installed at vulnerable locations to enhance site security and restrict illegal mining activities. • Security & Surveillance: To curb illegal mining, coal PSUs have deployed dedicated security personnel and conduct surprise raids and joint checks in coordination with State authorities. Regular training, refresher courses, and capacity-building programs are organized to strengthen the vigilance mechanism. Further, close liaison is maintained with State authorities, and multi-level committees/task forces have been constituted to monitor and address illegal mining activities effectively. 2• Technological Interventions: Ministry of Coal has launched Khanan Prahari Mobile App and Coal Mines Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) web application to report incidents of illegal mining and facilitate timely action by state law enforcement agencies. To prevent environmental degradation, coal companies are implementing approved mine closure plans that incorporate comprehensive environmental management measures aimed at mitigating degradation and restoring abandoned or discontinued mine sites. (d) In view of (a) above, the question does not arise. However, as per the Mining Plan and Mine Closure Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Coal on 31.01.2025, provisions for community engagement, adoption of global best practices for mine closure and components of just transformation have been incorporated for inclusion in mining and mine closure plans. Coal and Lignite PSUs are undertaking various measures under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) programmes for project-affected families. These include skill development programmes, vocational training, support for self-employment and infrastructure development in mining-affected areas in collaboration with State Governments and other stakeholders. Additionally, Coal and Lignite PSUs have undertaken several initiatives to generate new livelihood opportunities for local communities. These include the development of eco-parks and mine tourism sites, establishment of solar projects, implementation of pisciculture activities in mine voids, setting up of M-sand production units from overburden, and Coal-Neer (bottled water) projects. Furthermore, skill development training is being provided to dependent communities in accordance with mine closure guidelines as well as under CSR programmes, with the objective of enhancing employability and promoting sustainable livelihoods. (e) In view of (a) above, the question does not arise. ***** 3