Green Horizons: PSUs Reclaim India's Mining Lands

Public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the coal and lignite sector—Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Ltd (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL)—are intensifying efforts to ecologically restore and reclaim mined-out and barren lands across the country.

Leveraging scientific approaches—including technical and biological reclamation measures—these PSUs have been systematically rehabilitating degraded mining areas over the past five years. Detailed state-wise records are being maintained to track progress.

For the financial year 2025–26, the PSUs have set a target to reclaim and afforest 2,800 hectares of land in and around coal mining regions.

To boost biodiversity and soil health, they are adopting innovative afforestation techniques such as:

Drone-based seed broadcasting, Miyawaki plantation methods, Seed ball broadcasting

In parallel, the Ministry of Coal is working with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and state governments to utilise treated mine water for domestic and agricultural use in nearby communities.

PSUs have secured No Objection Certificates (NoCs) from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) for responsible groundwater withdrawal, while also implementing hydrological restoration measures such as:

Rainwater harvesting, Construction of water conservation structures, Afforestation to control runoff, Conversion of reclaimed mine pits into water reservoirs

These combined efforts not only support environmental sustainability but also contribute to community welfare and water security in mining-affected regions.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.