Lok Sabha Question No. 1776 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-30
Subject: Technology to Reduce Coal Mining Pollution
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1776 ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025

## Technology to Reduce Coal Mining Pollution

## 1776    Dr. T Sumathy Alias Thamizhachi Thangapandian:

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

(a) the details of specific policies and technologies are being implemented to reduce air, water and soil pollution caused by coal mining and coal-fired power plants;

(b)  the  manner  in  which  the  Government  is  supporting  coal-dependent  regions  such  as Jharkhand and Odisha, to transition towards renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods;

(c) the targets and timelines for phasing out inefficient coal mines and promoting cleaner coal technologies like coal gasification or carbon capture; and

(d) the manner in which the Government is collaborating with State Governments and local communities to ensure environmental rehabilitation and social justice in coal mining areas?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a)  All  coal  mining  operations  are  undertaken  with  valid  statutory  clearances,  including Environmental  Clearance,  Forest  Clearance  (wherever  required),  Consent  to  Operate,  and Groundwater Clearance. These are granted as per the guidelines of MoEF&CC and monitored regularly  through  submission  of  compliance  reports  to  the  Pollution  Control  Boards  and MoEF&CC. The EC grant process includes detailed assessment of impact on air, water, soil, forest, and biodiversity through Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and formulation of mitigation strategies via Environmental Management  Plans  (EMP).  As  per the  EIA Notification, 2006, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, all mining proposals are  appraised  by  the  Expert  Appraisal  Committee  (EAC).  Environmental  Clearances  are granted only after thorough scrutiny of the approved Mine Plan (including the Closure Plan), incorporating mandatory provisions for environmental safeguards such as dust control, noise mitigation, green belt development, biodiversity conservation, and post-mining land restoration.

In respect of coal-fired power plants, a comprehensive framework of environmental policies and advanced technologies have been adopted to minimize air, water, and soil pollution. These initiatives  align  with  national  regulatory  guidelines  and  commitment  to  sustainable  and responsible power generation.

(b) For  promoting sustainable  means  of  livelihood  and  to  manage  socio-economic  and environmental impact of mine closures, the Government has issued comprehensive guidelines for  Mine  Closure  on  31.01.2025  that  focuses  on an  integrated  approach  that  includes skill development  of  locals,  livelihood  generation,  land  restoration,  ecosystem  rehabilitation, community participation, and post-closure development.

In  addition,  coal  companies  as  well  as  power  companies  such  as  CIL,  NTPC,  DVC  are undertaking  a  variety  of  initiatives  under  Corporate  Social  Responsibility  (CSR)  programs focusing on skill-building and livelihood enhancement activities in regions like Jharkhand and Odisha.

- (c) The Government has not set any targets and timelines for phasing out inefficient coal mines. The Government is taking following initiatives to promote coal and lignite gasification -
- i.  The  Government  has  approved  an  incentive  scheme  for  promotion  of  coal  and  lignite gasification projects for PSUs and private sector with an outlay of ₹ 8,500 crore.
- ii. A new sub-sector, "Production of Syngas leading to coal gasification," was created under the Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) linkage auctions policy to support coal gasification initiative. iii. The Government has allowed coal supply to gasification projects under the NRS auction with a floor price at the notified price of the regulated sector, for the projects commissioning
- within the next seven years.
- iv. 50%  rebate  in  the  revenue  share  for  coal  used  in  gasification  has  been  introduced  in commercial coal block auctions, provided that at least 10% of the total coal production is used for gasification purposes.
- v. A  framework has been established for granting waivers from registration for Transfer of Technology (ToT) from land-border-sharing countries on a case- by-case basis. Waiver to one application has been granted.
- (d) The following measures are undertaken in close consultation with the State Governments and with active  participation  from  local  communities  to  ensure  inclusive  development  and environmental rehabilitation -
- i. Following a structured process for land acquisition and R&R in all its coal mining projects, strictly in accordance with schemes  approved  by  the  respective State  Governments. Consultation with local stakeholders is an integral part of this process to ensure transparency, address local concerns, and secure community participation in decision-making.
- ii.  Undertaking  progressive  and  final  mine  closure  activities,  including  both  technical  and biological reclamation of mined-out areas, in consultation with State authorities to restore land for alternative productive use.
- iii. Converting reclaimed lands into eco-parks, water reservoirs, and tourism sites (e.g., Saoner Eco Park and Gunjan Park), promoting green cover and enabling community engagement and economic opportunities.
- iv.  Conducting  large-scale  afforestation  drives  in  and  around  mining  areas.  Additionally, saplings are distributed to local communities, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to the carbon sink.
- v.  Repurposing  mine  voids  for  irrigation,  drinking  water  supply,  and  pisciculture,  which directly benefits nearby communities and supports sustainable water resource management.

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