Parliament Question: Land Reuse under LIVES Framework

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3025 ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026 Land Reuse under LIVES Framework †3025. Smt. Himadri Singh: Smt. Mahima Kumari Mewar: Shri Manish Jaiswal: Shri Chandra Prakash Choudhary: Dr. Rajesh Mishra: Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram: Shri Khagen Murmu: Shri Naba Charan Majhi: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) the current status of implementation of post-mine land reuse under the LIVES (Land and technical reclamation, Integrated Community Engagement and Empowerment, Viable Post- Closure Development, Ecosystem Rehabilitation, Regenerative Environmental Restoration and Sustainability and Stewardship) framework particularly in Jharkhand and Shahdol Lok Sabha Constituency of Madhya Pradesh; (b) the extent to which interactive decision-support tools have been adopted by mine owners and active coal companies particularly in Shahdol and whether it is being used for future land use planning; (c) the number of mines (open-cast and underground) which have undertaken land restoration activities successfully under the LIVES framework particularly in Jharkhand and Shahdol Lok Sabha Constituency; (d) the details of regenerative sustainability measures adopted under the LIVES framework along with the impact on the livelihood of local tribal communities thereof; (e) whether the Government has assessed the impact of sustainable mine closure and whether it proposes to implement it mandatorily; and (f) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL & MINES (SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY) (a): All mines of Coal India Limited (CIL) and others, including those in Jharkhand and Shahdol (Madhya Pradesh), operate with approved Mine Closure Plans as mandated under the "Guidelines for preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Mines, 2025" dated 31.01.2025.LIVES framework is a tool to effectively implement mine closure activities under provisions of the Guidelines. In all CIL mines, the approved mine closure activities are implemented in line with the LIVES framework, covering land reclamation, community engagement, viable post-closure development, ecosystem rehabilitation, and regenerative environmental restoration. (b): The Guidelines are implemented in post-mine land use as well. Interactive decision-support tools such as GIS-based mine closure planning modules and geo- tagged photographic documentation are progressively adopted and captured for scientific mine closure and future land use planning. Further, in line with the Guidelines, the Mine Closure Advisory Committee has also been constituted in Shahdol district to provide strategic direction and oversight for community development, livelihood enhancement, and post-closure transition planning. (c): Mine closure activities, including land restoration, are undertaken by coal companies along with the mining operation, in line with the approved mine closure plan, throughout the life of the mine. The LIVES framework is progressively integrated into the closure activities. The number of mines undergoing/ undergone mine closure in Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh & Jharkhand are as follows: State Underground Opencast (OC) Mixed (UG) Mines Mines mines Jharkhand 37 77 14 Madhya Pradesh (Shahdol 9 5 Nil Dist.) (d): The details of regenerative sustainability measures adopted under the LIVES Framework, along with the impact on the livelihood of local tribal communities in CIL mines, are as follows: 1. Land Reclamation & Regenerative Environmental Restoration • Scientific backfilling and grading of mined-out areas • Large-scale plantation and greenbelt development • Biodiversity enhancement through native species plantations • Conversion of mine voids into water bodies 2. Sustainable Repurposing • Pisciculture in mine voids • Solar power projects on reclaimed land • Eco-parks and mine tourism sites • Plantation-based livelihood models 3. Integrated Community Engagement• Engagement of local and tribal communities in plantation, eco-tourism, and water-based livelihoods • Skill development for post-mining economic activities • Participatory planning through district-level Mine Closure Advisory Committees 4. Long-Term Monitoring • GIS-based monitoring of reclaimed areas • Geo-tagged photographic documentation • Third-party audits as per Mine Closure Guidelines 5. The livelihood benefits addressed through • Jobs in plantation, eco park maintenance, and tourism • Income from pisciculture and water-based activities • Opportunities from solar-based enterprises • Improved environmental quality and access to water bodies These align with LIVES’ goal of regenerative, community-centred transition. (e) & (f): The Government has mandated preparation of Mine Closure Plans for all operating, discontinued, and abandoned mines. These Mine Closure Plans are now an integral part of the Mining plan and are approved by the Company Board. It is also monitored by the Coal Controller Organisation. Sustainable mine closure is implemented strictly as per these approved plans and in accordance with prevailing Guidelines. *****