Reclaiming the Wasteland: India to Revive 50+ Abandoned Coal Mines into Green Zones

In a bold pivot from extraction to restoration, the Indian government has launched a sweeping initiative to transform over 50 abandoned coal mines into green, ecorestored zones, signaling a new chapter in sustainable land repurposing. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Coal and Mines, the plan aligns with India’s RECLAIM framework and aims to balance environmental recovery with community upliftment.

EcoTransformation Drive:

Over 143 abandoned coal mines identified for phased closure and ecological restoration
Initial focus on four states: Telangana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat

Strategic Partnerships:

MoUs signed with the Heartfulness Foundation to lead afforestation, soil regeneration, and livelihood creation
Sites include Singareni (Telangana), Dhanbad (Jharkhand), Damua (MP), and Kachchh (Gujarat)

CommunityCentric Model:

RECLAIM framework emphasizes local governance, inclusivity, and sustainable livelihoods
Plans include green cover development, methane mitigation, and skillbuilding programs

Solar Potential & Global Context:

India ranks 4th globally in solar potential on disused mine land, with over 27 GW capacity possible from 63 sites
The initiative could create thousands of green jobs and reduce methane emissions from idle mines

Vision 2047 Alignment:

Supports India’s longterm goals of netzero emissions, land restoration, and clean energy transition

From black soot to green shoots, India’s abandoned mines are being reimagined as beacons of ecological and economic renewal.

Source: The Hindu, Economic Times EnergyWorld, Down to Earth