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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COAL
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6159
ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026
TECHNOLOGY FOR COAL DUST SEPARATION
†6159. DR. RAJESH MISHRA:
Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has proposed to implement modern technology for coal dust
separation in the coal mining-affected areas of Singrauli and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether mining activities and the associated pollution problems are likely to continue
for a long period in view of the abundant coal reserves in Singrauli;
(c) if so, the measures being taken by the Government to mitigate environmental impacts
including carbon emission reduction and waste management;
(d) whether these standards are also being implemented in all private mining and outsourcing
companies and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to the develop a dedicated coal transportation corridor
in view of the heavy transportation pressure in mining area and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL AND MINES
(SHRI SATISH CHANDRA DUBEY)
(a) to (c): The Government has taken several measures to deploy modern technologies for
minimizing and controlling coal dust in coal mining-affected areas, including Singrauli.
Environmental safeguards are an integral part of coal mining operations and are addressed
through the statutory framework of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification,
2006 issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for coal mining projects includes assessment of
impacts on air, water, soil, forest cover and biodiversity, and provides for mitigation strategies
such as dust suppression systems, water management, noise control and green belt
development. Further, Environment Clearance (EC) is granted on basis of appraisal by the
Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), which ensures that scientific and sustainable mining
practices are adopted.
Further, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited operating in
the Singrauli region, has implemented a range of modern technologies aimed at reducing coal
dust emissions and enhancing environmental performance, including:
i. Deployment of surface miners for coal extraction, eliminating the need for drilling and
blasting and thereby reducing dust generation.
ii. Use of electric-driven draglines for overburden removal, minimizing dust from
transportation of overburden by dumpers.
1iii. Installation of enclosed conveyor systems with mist spray arrangements for coal
transportation within mine premises.
iv. Adoption of silo loading systems for direct loading of coal into railway wagons,
reducing handling and dust emission.
v. Development of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects with additional Coal Handling
Plants (CHPs) and silos to streamline coal movement.
vi. Increased use of rail transport, Merry-Go-Round (MGR) systems, and Belt Pipe
Conveyor (BPC) systems for coal evacuation, minimizing fugitive dust from road
transport.
vii. Deployment of fog cannons (fixed and mobile types) for dust suppression at coal
stockyards, haul roads and transportation routes.
viii. Backfilling of overburden in excavated areas followed by technical and biological
reclamation.
ix. Extensive plantation drives on overburden dumps and other available areas in
coordination with State Forest agencies.
x. Installation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) for treatment of mine water and
wastewater from CHPs and workshops.
xi. Operationalization of a 50 MW ground-mounted solar power plant and installation of
energy-efficient electrical systems.
xii. Development of permanent cement concrete roads within mine premises to reduce dust
from transportation.
As per available estimates, the remaining mineable reserves in the coal blocks/ mines of
Singrauli region are expected to last for more than 20 years. While mining activities are
expected to continue, sustained efforts are made to minimize their environmental impact in the
Singrauli region.
(d): Yes, environmental standards and mitigation measures prescribed under statutory
provisions and regulatory frameworks are applicable to all mining operations, including those
carried out through private mining and outsourcing agencies.
(e): The Government has taken steps to streamline coal transportation and reduce pressure
on road infrastructure in mining areas, including through the development of dedicated
corridors and increased reliance on mechanised and rail-based evacuation systems. In Northern
Coalfields Limited (NCL) operating in Singrauli region, approximately 87% of coal is
presently transported through rail mode or belt pipe conveyor system which is expected to
reach more than 93% in two years once two approved First Mile Connectivity projects are
commissioned. To facilitate safer and more efficient movement through road, NCL has
constructed about 69 km of cement concrete (CC) roads, including a dedicated coal
transportation corridor of 4.60 km which is segregated from public roads.
Further, efforts are being made in other coal mining areas to progressively shift coal
transportation towards more efficient and environment-friendly modes by enhancing railway
infrastructure and provision of first mile connectivity, thereby significantly reducing
dependence on road transport and minimizing congestion as well as environmental concerns in
mining areas.
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