Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the guidance of Ministry of Coal have not only increased the level of coal production over the years to meet the growing energy demands of the country but have also demonstrated their commitment towards environmental protection by implementing various mitigation measures including restoration of de-mined areas through extensive tree plantation efforts in and around coal mining areas.
As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the focus of World Environment Day, 2024 is on land restoration, combating desertification and drought with the slogan “Our land, our future. We are #GenerationRestoration”. The theme emphasises the importance of sustainable land management and the need for greening and rehabilitation of degraded lands to ensure a sustainable future for all. The Ministry of Coal has released a report titled “Green Initiatives in Coal and Lignite PSUs” highlighting the efforts taken by PSUs in coal and lignite sectors to restore and rejuvenate mining-degraded lands.
These PSUs have undertaken extensive afforestation and ecological restoration projects, transforming barren lands into green areas. Such initiatives not only combat desertification and enhance resilience to drought, but also contribute to carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. By integrating these greening efforts, the report emphasises that the coal sector can play a key role in advancing land restoration goals and promoting environmental sustainability. This synergy between global ambitions and local actions reflects a comprehensive approach to preserving our planet’s land resources for future generations.