Mine Water Management: An Eco-Friendly Initiative

Context

• The initiative of managing mine waters provides an environmentally friendly solution. Public Sector Undertakings operated by Coal and Lignite dedicate their efforts to turn treated water from active and abandoned mines into usable reserves for human consumption as well as irrigation and manufacturing activities through CIL, NLCIL, and SCCL. 
• The initiatives contribute to local community development and operate as sustainable practice initiatives.

Role of Coal India Limited (CIL)

• CIL has adopted different strategies to effectively control mine water treatment at their facilities.
• The consumption of treated mine water through 878 villages provides clean water supply for 11.74 lakh individuals. The program creates opportunities for community members to obtain free clean water supply.
• Treated mine water obtained from the financial year 2024-25 reached 1111.32 Lakh Cubic Meters (LCM) to irrigate 7271 acres of land area. The irrigation of agricultural lands supported by treated mine water provides enhanced opportunities for rural population development.
• The subsidiary businesses of CIL are developing new fish farming facilities which utilize water bodies made from mine water to support local economic growth.
• Industrial Use: Through its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jharkhand State Government CIL can enable mine water utilization by the local community. The MoU between Western Coalfields Limited and Maharashtra State Power Generation Corporation Limited enables the transfer of extra mine water for industrial applications.

Efforts by NLC India Limited (NLCIL)

• NLCIL continues to develop new mine water management systems apart from their existing strategies.
• The Neyveli lignite mines supply 601.20 LCM of processed mine water which powers energy generation systems effectively.
• Treated water through the drinking water supply reaches 9.55 lakh residents in the surrounding area through 140 LCM distribution.
• The yearly forecast for FY 2024-25 indicates that 381 LCM of mine water will support more than 25,000 acres of irrigated agricultural lands.
• Treated mine water supplies drinking water through a joint effort between the Chennai Metro Water Supply & Sewerage Board and the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board with the Tamil Nadu Government.

Contributions of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)

• The Singareni Collieries Company Limited effectively operates a system that utilizes mine water across different applications in Telangana state.
• The mine water disposes 357 LCM into industrial operations to sustain local businesses.
• Mine water treatment allows 20.85 LCM to be distributed for household use serving the local communities.
• The irrigation operations manage 662.50 LCM of water for agriculture which supports both farmers and sustains agricultural water supply.
• Off-season agriculture benefits from excess mine water storage that is contained in agricultural tanks for irrigation purposes.
• The water from abandoned mines receives treatment for its subsequent use in the community through irrigation projects and for domestic usage.

Government’s Support and Vision

• Shri G. Kishan Reddy mentioned these achievements through a written response to Rajya Sabha as the Coal and Mines Minister of India. 
• Such actions demonstrate the government’s commitment toward maintaining sustainable resources and preserving environmental conservation.

Conclusion

• CIL together with NLCIL and SCCL prove that treated water from mining operations can succeed in creating multiple societal benefits including social growth and farming advantages and industrial progress. 
• These measures provide both long-term sustainable resource usage while improving the natural well-being of local populations. Innovative approaches along with partnerships between states enable mine water management to play a significant role in advancing India’s sustainable development initiatives.

Source: Press Information Bureau

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the socio-economic and environmental benefits of treated mine water usage. Highlight the challenges and suggest measures to improve its implementation

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