Coal Sector Brings 2734 hectares of Land under Green Cover in FY 2023-24

New Delhi(PIB): CoalMinistry’s commitment towardsenvironmental conservationcontinued to soar in the financial
year 2023-24, with over 51 lakhsaplings planted, bringing morethan 2734 hectares of land undergreen cover, surpassing thecurrent fiscal target of 2400hectares. Additionally, 372hectares have been covered by
grassing which is stabilizing soil,improving moisture retentionand preventing erosion inreclaimed land. During the fiscal2022-23, Coal/Lignite PSUsunder the Ministry of Coal,planted approximately 50 lakhsaplings, covering 2370 hectaresof land.Over the last five years, Coaland Lignite PSUs, have added10,894 hectares of land to thegreen cover by planting morethan 233 lakh saplings as per thetime to time guidance andsupervision of the CoalMinistry. Massive plantationdrives are under taken annuallyin coal sector, encompassingvarious areas, including avenueplantation, plantation onoverburden dumps, residentialcolonies, riverbanks androadsides. Innovative methodslike miyawaki plantation, seedball plantation, development ofgrassland and drone technologyfor planting in challengingterrains have also been adopted.India’s Coal Sector has takensignificant strides in transforming its ecological footprint,
contributing to the nation’ssustainability goals andenvironmental conservation.With a relentless focus on
greening and reclamation ofmined-out areas, Coal/LignitePSUs have played a pivotal rolein enhancing India’s forest andtree cover. These efforts are not only in alignment with theNational Mission for a Green
India (GIM), a crucial component of the NationalAction Plan on Climate Change,but also contributing towards
Nationally DeterminedContribution (NDC)commitment to create anadditional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3billion tonnes of CO2 equivalentthrough increased forest and treecover by 2030.Beyond afforestation efforts,the coal sector also activelypromotes development of ecoparksand mine tourism sites.Fifteen eco-parks/mine tourism
sites have been successfullyestablished by the Coal/LignitePSUs, with seven integrated intothe local tourism circuit. Lookingahead, Coal/Lignite PSUs haveambitious plans to develop 19new eco-parks/tourism sites in
coal mining areas, fosteringsustainable tourism andenvironmental conservation. Theestimated funds for these
initiatives amount to a substantialRs.128 crore. The Eco-parks,which incorporate tree plantations
and grass lands, serve as vitalcomponents of green landscapesand function as carbon sinks.These accomplishments
underscore the dedication andrelentless efforts of Coal/LignitePSUs in contributing to India’senvironmental sustainability goals.

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