Where are on one hand, the pollution levels are touching record heights and posing a threat to entire humanity with Government and other concerned agencies taking numerous initiatives for containing the same, several sectors causing immense damage to nature are either being shut or some viable alternatives are being found, so that dependency of masses on them can be avoided to great extent. But, it is also a harsh fact that there are several sectors or areas, which despite contributing considerably in enhancing pollution levels, can’t be stopped as they play an important role in nation’s progress.
One such sector is coal mining, as there are several crucial plants and projects for which huge quantity of coal is required. As such, the only way to put check on pollution levels emanating from mines is to increase green cover significantly so that the harmful gases can be absorbed by plants besides converting the same into oxygen. In this regard, the Ministry of Coal has set an ambitious goal for coal companies to bring more than 2400 hectare of area in and around coalfields under green cover with plantation of more than 50 lakh saplings for year 2022-23.
The identified areas include reclaimed mined out areas of coal companies and areas outside of leasehold – amenable for plantation and made available by State Government agencies. As of now, greening drive is in full swing in coal mining areas and about 1000 Ha of land has already been covered through block plantation, avenue plantation, grassland creation, bamboo plantation and high-tech cultivation by August 15, 2022. With the achievements made so far, coal companies are confident of surpassing this year’s greening targets. The above stated greening initiatives of the coal sector support India’s NDC commitment to create additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
The coal industry strives to promote a sustainable model of development in which coal production concurs with steps to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, care for society and measures to protect our forests & wildlife. Coal companies have not only effectively met rising energy demand of the country at the current time of global energy crisis, but have also shown their sensitivity and carefulness towards environment by adopting various mitigation measures including extensive plantation in and around coal bearing areas and reclamation of mined out lands. Afforestation is a proven way of restoration of lands damaged by anthropogenic activities and must for achieving satisfactory rehabilitation of a mined landscape.
It helps in minimizing the footprints of coal mining, prevents soil erosion, stabilises climate, preserves wildlife and enhances quality of air & watersheds. On a global scale, it mitigates climate change through carbon sequestration and also results in economic growth of the region.
The goal of Indian coal industry is to secure availability of coal to meet the demand of various sectors of the economy while minimizing impact of mining on environment besides improving quality of air.
