Parliament Question: Reclamation of Abandoned Coal Mines

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5346 ANSWERED ON 25.03.2026 Reclamation of Abandoned Coal Mines 5346. Shri Anup Sanjay Dhotre: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) the details of abandoned or non-operational coal mines that have been identified for reclamation or repurposing; (b) the details of mechanisms put in place to monitor environmental restoration of such sites; (c) whether there are any successful models where abandoned mines have been converted into eco-parks, water reservoirs or tourism zones and if so, the details thereof; (d) the manner in which the Government is involving local communities in this reclamation process; and (e) the details of expected environmental and socio-economic impact of these efforts? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL & MINES (SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY) (a): Coal companies have identified 147 mines for closure, out of which 26 mines have been identified for implementing repurposing activities. Repurposing initiatives such as solar power projects, eco-parks, pisciculture, plantation, etc., for community and sustainable uses are undertaken based on site-specific feasibility. Further, reclamation activities are carried out in all coal companies' mines in line with the approved mine closure plan. (b): Environmental restoration and monitoring in Coal companies are carried out in accordance with the approved Mine Closure Plan of the individual mine, which is prepared as per provisions of the mine closure guidelines issued by the government. The monitoring mechanism includes state-of-the-art satellite surveillance technology, periodic monitoring of land reclamation, plantation and afforestation activities, compliance with statutory environmental regulations and oversight by regulatory authorities, 3rd Party audits by reputed expert institutes, and joint inspection with State Forest Authorities for ensuring plantation survival rate as per the agreed terms. (c): To boost local tourism and promote conservation in mining areas, Coal India Limited has undertaken development of 38 Eco-parks, Recreation parks, Eco-tourism sites & Eco-restoration sites in mining areas. These sites have become a site for social events, recreational activities, morning walks, Yoga, meditation, etc., with more than 2 lakh annual footfalls. In addition, some mine voids have also been converted to water reservoirs, and Amrit Sarovars, where mine water is utilised for community and irrigation processes. 1CIL has developed the Coal Neer project, with 50,000 beneficiaries and 8 such plants at different stages of implementation. CIL has also developed 8 pisciculture projects in mine voids with more than 700 beneficiaries. The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has developed an Eco -Park in the reclaimed mining area at Kothagudem. The park integrates diverse features that enhance biodiversity, recreation, and community engagement for lawns and theme plantations for aesthetic appeal and ecological restoration, butterfly garden and palmatum to attract pollinators and enrich biodiversity, boating facilities in the reclaimed water reservoir, offering leisure and tourism opportunities, vinayaka vanam (sacred grove) to blend cultural heritage with ecological conservation, water fountains, yoga centre, and open gymnesium to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles, canteen and rest rooms to provide visitor amenities and encourage longer stay. (d): To promote afforestation and to enhance environmental quality, coal companies carry out an extensive plantation programme with native species every year inside and outside the mine lease area through the State Forest Department. Local communities are actively engaged through State Forest Departments, whose participation is embedded in the Work Orders or MoUs executed for reclamation and repurposing activities. (e): The expected environmental and socio-economic impacts are as follows: Environmental Impact: • Restoration of mined-out land towards near pre-mining condition • Improvement in green cover through plantation and afforestation • Enhancement of ecological balance and biodiversity Socio-economic Impact: • Generation of livelihood opportunities for local communities through plantation works, pisciculture, solar projects and skill development initiatives • Community development measures such as health camps, skill development and entrepreneurship • Improvement in local infrastructure and living conditions in the surrounding areas • Long-term socio-economic benefits through sustainable post-mining land use ****** 2