Parliament Question: RECLAIM Framework

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1880 ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026 RECLAIM Framework †1880.Smt. Roopkumari Choudhary: Shri Saumitra Khan: Shri Dileshwar Kamait: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab: Shri Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal: Shri Tapir Gao: Shri Yogender Chandolia: Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary: Shri Anup Sanjay Dhotre: Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram: Shri Chandra Prakash Choudhary: Shri Kali Charan Singh:: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) the details of objectives of the Revitalising Ecosystem and Communities through Local Actions for Inclusive Mine (RECLAIM) closure framework launched in July, 2025 along with the details of its implementation framework and the strategies adopted to ensure its effective execution particularly in mineral-rich State like Chhattisgarh and West Bengal; (b) the details of mines closed down so far under the RECLAIM framework in the country including those in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, mine-wise and the impact on national environmental goals as well as land reclaiming, water sources, air quality and bio-diversity; (c) the socio-economic status of communities affected by mine closure after the commencement of the RECLAIM framework; (d) the changes brought about in the socio-economic status of the local and tribal communities of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal affected by the mines closure; (e) whether any measures have been taken to deal with the socio-economic outcome arising out of mines closures and if so, the details thereof; and (f) whether any special measures have been taken relating to rehabilitation, skill development and alternative livelihood to deal with these impacts and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF COAL & MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY) 1(a): The RECLAIM Framework is being implemented by the Coal Controller Organisation under the Ministry of Coal with the objective of institutionalising a people- centric approach to mine closure. Key objectives of the Framework include strengthening community participation, restoring ecological systems, enabling sustainable and diversified livelihoods, ensuring gender and social inclusion, and building long-term local capacity for post-mining land stewardship. Under the RECLAIM Framework, the following strategies have been adopted by Coal India Limited (CIL) across all coal-bearing States, including Chhattisgarh and West Bengal: • Ecosystem restoration through technical and biological reclamation, plantation with native species, water body creation, and stabilisation of overburden dumps. • Repurposing of closed mine land for alternative uses such as agriculture, pisciculture, eco-parks, water conservation structures, and renewable energy projects. • Community engagement and participatory planning, including involvement of local institutions, self-help groups, and Panchayati Raj bodies. • Community Development Framework Training and Training to Trainers • Earmarking of funds under mine closure escrow and just transition components for livelihood and community development activities. (b): Since launch of the RECLAIM Framework, no mine has been formally closed exclusively under the RECLAIM Framework in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, as mine closure is a regulated and phased statutory process governed by approved Mine Closure Plans. However, CIL has identified 26 closed and abandoned mines across its command areas, including in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, for repurposing activities focusing on ecological restoration, post-mining land use and community engagement. (c): Recognising the importance of understanding the socio-economic conditions of communities affected by mine closures, CIL and its subsidiary companies have engaged institutions such as IIT Kanpur, Indira Gandhi Tribal University, Amarkantak, IITTM, Gwalior, MPISSR, Ujjain, etc. for socio-economic assessments of mining- affected communities. (d): NITI Aayog’s report related to “The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Just Transition from Coal”, emphasised the requirement of coal for the country’s energy security and stated that coal consumption in the country is likely to peak between 2035 and 2040. In order to meet the county’s coal demand, new mines are being opened up along with the closure of coal mines due to exhaustion of reserve. As such, there is no impact on the socio-economic status of the local and tribal communities of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal affected by the mine closure. (e): As per the Mine Closure Guidelines, 2025 issued by the Ministry of Coal, the following provisions have been stipulated to address the socio-economic impacts arising from mine closures and to reduce long-term dependence on coal-based employment: 2(i) A minimum of 25% of the five yearly escrow amount deposited shall be utilised for community development and livelihood-related activities for which the Mine Closure Plans are being revised. (ii) A corpus of 10 percent of the balance deposited amount from Final Mine Closure Cost is to be created towards Just Transformation to be utilised by the Project Proponent for socio-transition after the closure of the mine in consultation with District Administration, Local Authority and Stakeholders for Skill Development, Sustained Livelihood and Employment generation. (f): The following measures have been taken relating to rehabilitation, skill development and livelihood restoration in mining-affected States: - i. Livelihood Restoration and Diversification: Livelihood support programmes have been initiated for mine-affected communities, including skill development, vocational training, and promotion of alternative income-generating activities such as agriculture and fisheries. ii. Employment and Skill Development: Skill upgradation and capacity-building programmes are being implemented through CSR initiatives to enhance the employability of local youth and displaced persons in non-mining sectors, including construction, services, and self-employment. iii. Support to self-help groups: Targeted interventions have been undertaken for vulnerable sections of the community, including women and landless families, through self-help groups and social welfare linkages. iv. Community Infrastructure Development: CIL continues to support the development and maintenance of basic infrastructure such as drinking water facilities, sanitation, roads, healthcare services, educational support, and community assets in mine-affected villages. ***** 3