Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Coal on Tuesday in the Parliament Annexe, focusing on sustainability and green initiatives in the coal sector. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Coal and Mines Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, committee members, and senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited (CIL), Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL), and their subsidiaries.
Key Discussions and Highlights
In his opening remarks, Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the critical role of the coal sector in India’s energy security and economic development. While acknowledging the growing global shift towards renewable energy, he underscored coal’s significance in supporting India’s development and sustainability goals. The Minister highlighted the environmental conservation efforts of coal and lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), which prioritize biodiversity protection and societal well-being alongside coal production.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a sustainable future. Shri Reddy assured the committee that coal PSUs adhere to and exceed statutory environmental norms to enhance standards in and around mining areas.
Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to environmentally sustainable practices, describing them as evidence of their commitment to ecological stewardship and societal well-being.
Presentation on Green Initiatives
Coal Secretary Shri Vikram Dev Dutt provided an overview of the sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives being undertaken by Coal and Lignite PSUs. He highlighted how these efforts align with Mission LiFE and India’s climate objectives. A detailed presentation by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Coal showcased initiatives such as:
- Afforestation and bio-reclamation projects.
- Accredited compensatory afforestation programs.
- Participation in the Green Credit Program.
- Utilization of mine water for community use.
- Development of eco-parks and mine tourism sites.
- Implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.
- Dust suppression techniques and First Mile Connectivity Projects.
Active Participation by Committee Members
Parliamentary Committee members, including Shri Surendra Prasad Yadav, Thiru Arun Nehru, and others, commended the Ministry and PSUs for their sustainability efforts. They praised the sector’s focus on environmental conservation and societal benefits while suggesting the adoption of best practices to benefit local communities.
Minister’s Closing Remarks
Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy expressed gratitude to the committee members for their insights and active participation. He assured that their recommendations would be implemented to enhance the coal sector’s role in driving economic growth while aligning with India’s sustainability vision.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives and ensuring a greener future for the coal sector.
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