Greening Initiative in Coal & Lignite PSUs

Context

The Greening the Mines initiative is a pioneering effort by coal and lignite PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) in India to restore mined land and promote sustainability. This initiative is a significant step towards minimising the environmental impact of mining and creating a better future for generations to come.

Land Restoration

• Replanting native species of trees and plants: The PSUs are planting out native species that respond well to the regional climatic and edaphic conditions predominantly in the mined portions of the land.
• Creating wildlife habitats and corridors: State owned companies are giving wildlife habitats, and new wildlife passages for reconnecting forest islands and conservation of biological diversity.
• Restoring water bodies and aquatic ecosystems: The future generates and develops water resources through desilting and reviving water bodies and ecosystems in PSUs.
• Implementing soil conservation measures: They also put in place barriers like terracing and contour bunding, besides afforestation programs, to check on soil erosion.

Afforestation

• Planting millions of trees: These days, numerous PSUs are covering millions of hectares of mined lands to plant trees to intake carbon dioxide, minimizing the effects of soil pollution and wildlife habitats.
• Using native species: To support ecosystem service and retain the native flora, the PSUs are planting native species of trees and plants.
• Involving local communities: In order to develop an environment for the locals to take up afforestation activity and generate revenues for the PSUs, local communities are being actively engaged for afforestation.

Sustainable Mining Practices

• Optimising water usage: waste reduction: PSUs are conserving water through measures like rainwater harvesting and recycling of water to minimize wastage.
• Reducing waste:Some of the measures in waste minimisation and management being adopted by the PSUs include recycling and re-use of the material.
• Implementing renewable energy sources: Such measures as generation of power by renewable sources including solar and wind for instance are being adopted by the PSUs to cut off fossil fuel consumption.
• Using eco friendly explosives: The noise and air impacts of the power plant were minimised through the utilisation of eco- friendly explosives.

EcoFriendly Technologies

• Solar power: PSUs are using solar power to energise mining operations and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Bioreclamation: PSUs are using bioreclamation techniques to restore mined land and promote ecosystem services.
• Eco Friendly explosives: PSUs are using eco friendly explosives that reduce noise and air pollution.

Community Engagement

• Training programs: Some of the PSUs are also offering excerpts involving local youth on sustainable mining, and environmental issues.
• Awareness campaigns: To this end, most PSUs have embarked on social sensitisation on the need to develop sustainable policies aimed at preserving the environment and practising sustainable mining.
• Community led conservation initiatives: Programs are being launched by the PSUs under public–private partnership wherein the communities are being encouraged for conservation and ecotourism for livelihood.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Funding: The initiative entails the provision of adequate financial input in order to facilitate the restoration of the bare lands, afforestation, and the development of policies on sustainable mining.
• Regulatory hurdles: It needs stakeholder backing and a decent policy environment for the advancement of sustainable mining practices.
• Innovation and technology development: The political initiative in question raises prospects for changes in the conceptual approaches to sustainable mining by utilising appropriate technology.
• Job creation and livelihood opportunities: The above initiatives provide chances of employment and income generation in sustainable mining and protection of the environment.

Conclusion

By adopting sustainable mining practices, restoring mined land, and engaging with local communities, the Greening the Mines initiative is setting a new standard for responsible mining practices in India. The initiative is not only promoting environmental sustainability but also supporting local communities and creating livelihood opportunities.

Source: PIB

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the initiatives taken by Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India for land restoration and sustainability. How do these efforts contribute to environmental conservation and the overall goal of sustainable development? Highlight the challenges faced and suggest measures to enhance these green mining practices.

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