India's Coal PSUs Lead in Land Restoration, Aim to Offset Carbon Emissions

By siliconindia  |  Tuesday, 04 June 2024, 06:48:48 PM IST

India's Coal PSUs Lead in Land Restoration, Aim to Offset Carbon Emissions
India's coal and lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have emerged as pioneers in environmental restoration, transforming approximately 50,000 hectares of barren land surrounding coal mining regions into lush green forests. This remarkable achievement, highlighted in a report released by the Coal Ministry on the eve of World Environment Day, underscores the commitment of the nation towards sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.
The report reveals a multifaceted approach adopted by the PSUs, encompassing biological reclamation of de-coaled land, extensive plantation efforts within and outside mine leaseholds, and innovative techniques like seed ball plantation and drone-based seed casting. These initiatives not only combat desertification and enhance drought resilience but also contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, with the potential to absorb 2.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
As the world commemorates the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), World Environment Day 2024 focuses on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience under the theme "Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration". This resonates deeply with India's efforts to rehabilitate degraded lands and underscores the critical role of sustainable land management in securing a prosperous future.
Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, Amrit Lal Meena, underscored the significance of the report in driving attention towards augmenting green cover through innovative techniques. The roadmap outlined in the report extends until the fiscal year 2029-2030, demonstrating a long-term commitment towards sustainable land use and environmental stewardship.
The data presented in the report has undergone rigorous validation through Remote Sensing Studies and on-site ground-truthing surveys, establishing a comprehensive baseline for future scientific investigations. It not only showcases the greening initiatives undertaken by Coal/Lignite PSUs but also sets a standard for transparency and accountability in environmental reporting.
Moreover, the report outlines a blueprint for a more sustainable and eco-friendly future, with a focus on community-oriented land uses such as restored forests, eco-parks, and eco-tourism sites. This underscores the PSUs' commitment not only to environmental conservation but also to fostering socio-economic development in coal mining regions.
The initiatives undertaken by India's coal and lignite PSUs exemplify the transformative potential of public-private partnerships in addressing complex environmental challenges. By implementing scientific reclamation techniques and leveraging innovative approaches, they are not only mitigating the environmental impact of coal mining but also setting new benchmarks for sustainable land management.
As India works towards achieving its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target of achieving a carbon absorption capacity of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by 2030, the role of coal and lignite PSUs in offsetting carbon emissions through land restoration cannot be overstated. Their efforts not only align with national environmental goals but also contribute significantly to global efforts towards combating climate change.

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