Lok Sabha Question No. 6159 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-04-01
Subject: Technology for Coal Dust Seperation
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Dr. Rajesh Mishra

## 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.

- iii. 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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