Lok Sabha Question No. 5346 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-25
Subject: Reclamation of Abandoned Coal Mines
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Anup Sanjay Dhotre

## 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.

CIL 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

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