Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

Water From Reclaimed Abandoned Coal Mines Being Supplied To 18 Lakh People In 900 Villages

January 16, 2023
coal India
Photo for representative purpose only

As directed by the coal ministry, coal and lignite PSUs are taking several steps for conservation and efficient use of mine water by supplying the same in its command areas for community usages such as drinking and irrigation, according to a statement issued by the ministry. Mine water discharged from the operational mines as well as water available from abandoned mines is being supplied to approximately 18 lakh people living in about 900 villages in the proximity of coal mining areas.

This year, coal and lignite PSUs planned to supply around 4,000 lakh kilo litres (LKL) of mine water for community use, of which 2,788 LKL has been supplied till December 2022.  From this 881 LKL has been used for domestic purposes including drinking. The beneficiaries of mine water are mainly tribal people and those living in remote areas. This endeavour is in line with the government’s Jal Shakti Abhiyan of water conservation effort.

In 2022-23, Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has already surpassed its annual plantation target of 1,510 hectares by expanding its green cover to 1,600 hectares by end of December 2022. CIL has planted over 31 lakh saplings as part of the drive.

Greening initiatives inside mine lease area during the last five years in 4,392 hectares has created a carbon sink potential of 2.2 LT/year. Coal and lignite PSUs have covered around 2,230 hectares land under plantation in the current fiscal till December 2022 and around 360 hectares. Use of new techniques like seed ball plantation, seed casting through drones and Miyawaki plantation in its various mines are in place. Mined out areas, overburden dumps and other disturbed areas are concurrently reclaimed as soon as they get delinked from the active mining zones. These afforestation activities and green belt development works are also creating carbon sinks. The dense tree coverage also helps to control air pollution, arrests the suspended dust particles emitted during mining operations.