Pralhad Joshi, the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, chaired an assembly of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of Ministry of Coal in the Parliament House to consider the stature of compliance of Environmental Norms by the Coal and Lignite Companies.
In his introductory remarks, Pralhad Joshi enlightened the assembled council members that mining operations in the coal and lignite mines are being accomplished with utmost consideration to safety, environmental protection and sustainability. While carrying out the mining activities, environmental protection is one of the main areas of focus of the Public Sector Units engaged in coal and lignite mining. They make sure that several regulatory ordinances as laid down in the environmental rules and regulations are strictly followed and relevant environmental degrees are maintained in and around the mining areas.
The Secretary (Coal) informed the committee on the formation of a Sustainable Development Cell (SDC) in the Ministry to guide, mentor, chalk out and keep track of the environmental sustainability of coal mines. He further said that the Ministry and Coal and lignite organizations are putting together reports, booklets and also videos on environmental sustainability and best environmental practices. The mines are also being gauged with stars so as to encourage environmental compliances by self.
In the meeting, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Coal made a presentation which enlightened that the current standing of the environmental compliance by the big mines is kept track of by the Secretary (coal) at defined intervals and Sustainable Development Cell also accesses the situation at regular breaks. A detailed work plan has been created in close discussion with the coal and lignite Public Sector Units, for the plantation, usage of mine water, development of ecological parks, energy efficiency measures and so on.
Also, steps have been taken to quantify the use of Liquefied Natural Gas in order to minimize carbon emissions. A plan of action has been put in place for the third-party environmental audit of mines and for the ecological scrutiny by engaging Institutions of repute.
The Director (Technical) of Coal India Limited made a comprehensive presentation on the acceptance of the environmental standards in the Coal India Limited mines and also put forth that the coal mines are operating with various environmental authorizations and are completely following the specified environmental situations and standards.
To alleviate the unfavourable impacts of mining, the coal companies are carrying out several steps to control the pollution and are embracing multiple technologies favourable to the environment such as Surface Miners or Rippers for the blast free production of Coal/OB, FMC Projects for cutting back on the coal transported by road, induction and installation of mist sprayer and Fog canons, usage of mechanical road sweepers and so on.
In addition to that, Coal India Limited is also encouraging several other feasible operations to mitigate the carbon emissions from mining activities and also for the welfare of the host community. Coal India Limited has worked out a plan to install 3000 MW solar plants by the end of 2023-24. The solar plants will make available the electrical power required for the operations to be carried out in the mines. The subsidiaries of Coal India Limited are encouraging mine tourism and is developing ecological parks in and around the coalfields. They are also supplying mine water to the nearby villagers, after proper treatment, for their domestic as well as agricultural usage.
In the discussions, all the Committee Members applauded the efforts that are being undertaken by the Ministry and coal and lignite Public Sector Units towards the care of the environment and the benefit of the society. The members hailed the good works especially third party audit, gainful utilization of mine water, promoting renewables, mine tourism and OB to sand initiatives and made a valuable proposition for the further enhancement in the environmental management in mining areas.
