06 AUG 2025 | New Delhi
India is taking steps to transform closed coal mines into eco-tourism and community development hubs, inspired by global examples from countries like Germany, the UK, and Australia, where such mines have been repurposed into tourist spots, cultural centers, reservoirs, and industrial spaces.
Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have already initiated several such projects, including the development of eco-parks, recreational areas, pisciculture (fish farming) in mine voids, solar power plants, and other community-centric facilities.
Notable Repurposed Mine Projects in India
Some prominent examples include:
- Bishrampur (Kenapara) and Ananya Vatika – South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
- Saoner Eco Park – Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
- Kayakalp Vatika and Pisciculture at Kerketta Mine Void – Central Coalfields Limited (CCL)
- C S Azad Eco Park (Orient Mine No. 4) – Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)
- Sindoor Eco Park and Mango Orchard at Jhanjra – Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)
- Parasnath Udyan – Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)
New Guidelines Ensure Responsible Mine Closure
The government has laid out detailed rules in the Guidelines for Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Blocks-2025. These focus on scientific, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible mine closures. Key features include:
- Land reclamation and ecological restoration
- Use of closed mine sites for agriculture, water bodies, solar energy, eco-tourism, and cultural preservation
- Involvement of local communities in managing public areas
- Employment generation and promotion of local heritage
Support for Workers and Communities
Even as coal production is ramped up to meet growing energy demands, mines closed due to resource exhaustion ensure job security for permanent workers through redeployment.
To support local communities, PSUs run skill development and livelihood programs under their CSR initiatives. As per the new guidelines:
- 25% of the five-yearly mine closure fund must go toward community development and livelihood activities
- 10% of final closure costs must be used for “Just Transformation” socio-economic transition, skill training, and long-term livelihood support in collaboration with district administrations
This information was shared by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Source: PIB
