Lok Sabha Question No. 1880 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: RECLAIM Framework
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Shri Kali Charan Singh, Shri Yogender Chandolia, Shri Tapir Gao, Shri Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal, Shri Dileshwar Kamait, Shri Anup Sanjay Dhotre, Shri Chandra Prakash Choudhary, Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram, Shri Saumitra Khan, Smt. Roopkumari Choudhary, Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1880 ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026

## RECLAIM Framework

†1880.Smt. Roopkumari Choudhary: Shri Saumitra Khan: Shri Dileshwar Kamait: Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab: Shri Mukeshkumar Chandrakaant Dalal: Shri Tapir Gao: Shri Yogender Chandolia: Shri Kota Srinivasa Poojary: Shri Anup Sanjay Dhotre: Shri Vishnu Dayal Ram: Shri Chandra Prakash Choudhary: Shri Kali Charan Singh::

Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:

(a) the details of objectives of the Revitalising Ecosystem and Communities through Local Actions for Inclusive Mine (RECLAIM) closure framework launched in July, 2025 along with the details of its implementation framework and the strategies adopted to ensure its effective execution particularly in mineral-rich State like Chhattisgarh and West Bengal;

(b)  the  details  of  mines  closed  down  so  far  under  the  RECLAIM framework in  the country including those in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, mine-wise and the impact on national environmental goals as well as land reclaiming, water sources, air quality and bio-diversity;

(c)  the  socio-economic  status  of  communities  affected  by  mine  closure  after  the commencement of the RECLAIM framework;

(d)  the  changes  brought  about  in the  socio-economic status  of  the  local and  tribal communities of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal affected by the mines closure;

(e) whether any measures have been taken to deal with the socio-economic outcome arising out of mines closures and if so, the details thereof; and

(f)  whether  any  special  measures  have  been  taken  relating  to  rehabilitation,  skill development and alternative livelihood to deal with these impacts and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

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

(a):  The  RECLAIM  Framework  is  being  implemented  by  the  Coal  Controller Organisation under the Ministry of Coal with the objective of institutionalising a peoplecentric approach  to  mine  closure. Key  objectives of  the  Framework  include strengthening community participation, restoring ecological systems, enabling sustainable  and  diversified  livelihoods,  ensuring  gender  and  social  inclusion,  and building long-term local capacity for post-mining land stewardship.

Under the RECLAIM Framework, the following strategies have been adopted by Coal India Limited (CIL) across all coal-bearing States, including Chhattisgarh and West Bengal:

- Ecosystem restoration through technical and biological reclamation, plantation with  native  species,  water  body  creation,  and  stabilisation  of  overburden dumps.
- Repurposing  of  closed  mine  land  for  alternative  uses  such  as  agriculture, pisciculture, eco-parks, water conservation structures, and renewable energy projects.
- Community engagement and participatory planning, including involvement of local institutions, self-help groups, and Panchayati Raj bodies.
- Community Development Framework Training and Training to Trainers
- Earmarking of funds under mine closure escrow and just transition components for livelihood and community development activities.

(b):  Since  launch  of  the  RECLAIM  Framework,  no  mine  has  been  formally  closed exclusively under the RECLAIM Framework in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, as mine closure  is  a  regulated  and  phased  statutory  process  governed  by  approved  Mine Closure Plans. However, CIL has identified 26 closed and abandoned mines across its  command  areas,  including  in  Chhattisgarh  and  West  Bengal,  for  repurposing activities  focusing  on  ecological  restoration,  post-mining  land  use  and  community engagement.

(c): Recognising the importance of understanding the socio-economic conditions of communities  affected  by  mine  closures,  CIL  and  its  subsidiary  companies  have engaged institutions such as IIT Kanpur, Indira Gandhi Tribal University, Amarkantak, IITTM,  Gwalior,  MPISSR,  Ujjain,  etc.  for  socio-economic  assessments  of  miningaffected communities.

(d): NITI Aayog's report related to 'The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Just Transition from Coal', emphasised the requirement of coal for the country's energy security and stated that coal consumption in the country is likely to peak between 2035 and 2040. In order to meet the county's coal demand, new mines are being opened up along with the closure of coal mines due to exhaustion of reserve. As such, there is no impact on the  socio-economic status of  the  local  and  tribal  communities  of  Chhattisgarh  and West Bengal affected by the mine closure.

(e):  As  per  the  Mine  Closure  Guidelines,  2025  issued  by  the  Ministry  of  Coal,  the following  provisions  have  been  stipulated  to  address  the  socio-economic  impacts arising  from  mine  closures  and  to  reduce  long-term  dependence  on  coal-based employment:

(i)   A  minimum  of  25%  of  the  five  yearly  escrow  amount  deposited  shall  be utilised for community development and livelihood-related activities for which the Mine Closure Plans are being revised.

(ii)  A corpus of 10 percent of the balance deposited amount from Final Mine Closure Cost is to be created towards Just Transformation to be utilised by the Project Proponent  for  socio-transition after the closure  of the mine  in consultation with District Administration, Local Authority and Stakeholders for Skill Development, Sustained Livelihood and Employment generation.

(f): The  following measures  have  been  taken  relating to rehabilitation, skill development and livelihood restoration in mining-affected States: -

- i. Livelihood Restoration and Diversification: Livelihood support programmes have been initiated for mine-affected communities, including skill development, vocational training,  and  promotion of alternative  income-generating activities such as agriculture and fisheries.
- ii. Employment and Skill Development: Skill upgradation and capacity-building programmes are being implemented through CSR initiatives to enhance the employability  of  local  youth  and  displaced  persons  in  non-mining  sectors, including construction, services, and self-employment.
- iii. Support to self-help groups: Targeted interventions have been undertaken for  vulnerable  sections  of  the  community,  including  women  and  landless families, through self-help groups and social welfare linkages.
- iv. Community  Infrastructure  Development: CIL  continues  to  support  the development and maintenance of basic infrastructure such as drinking water facilities,  sanitation,  roads,  healthcare  services,  educational  support,  and community assets in mine-affected villages.

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