Development of Closed Coal Mines as Tourist Places

The Ministry of Coal revealed plans to transform shuttered coal mines into tourist attractions, eco-parks, cultural hubs, and community spaces. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in coal and lignite have been engaged in the development of eco-parks, mine tourism destinations, aquaculture initiatives, solar energy facilities, and leisure spaces. Significant instances comprise Bishrampur (Kenapara) and Ananya Vatika by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), Saoner Eco Park by Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), Kayakalp Vatika and fish farming at Kerketta Mine Void by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), C S Azad Eco Park by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), Sindoor Eco Park and Mango Orchard by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), along with Parasnath Udyan by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). These efforts are consistent with the Guidelines for the Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Blocks-2025, which highlight the importance of scientific mine closure, land restoration, and post-mining use for community and economic advantage. The regulations mandate that a minimum of 25% of the five-year escrow total for mine closure must be allocated to community development and livelihood initiatives, while 10% of the ultimate closure expenditure is designated for Just Transformation, emphasizing socio-economic transition and skills training in collaboration with district officials. Union Minister of Coal and Mines Mr. G. Kishan Reddy stated that permanent employees from depleted mines are reassigned to active ones, while public sector units conduct skill development and livelihood initiatives through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to promote ongoing community assistance