Coal/Lignite PSUs Foster Eco-Tourism: 16 Eco-Parks/Mine Tourism Sites Established in Last 5 Years

New Delhi:  In a bid to combine environmental conservation with local tourism development, Coal/Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have successfully established 16 Eco-Parks/Mine Tourism Sites over the past five years. The Union Minister of Coal, Mines, and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi, shared this information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, shedding light on the initiatives undertaken by these PSUs to promote ecological awareness and recreational activities in mining areas.

Notably, no specific government funds have been allocated for the creation of these Eco-Parks/Mine Tourism Sites. The expenditure related to their establishment, maintenance, and upkeep is entirely borne by the respective Coal/Lignite PSUs involved in these ventures.

The Eco-Parks/Mine Tourism Sites serve the dual purpose of boosting local tourism and encouraging conservation efforts in mining regions. These sites are designed for recreational use by nearby communities, fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and offering a leisurely escape. Importantly, no revenue is generated directly from these sites.

However, an exception is the Kenapara Eco-park operated by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Chhattisgarh. Unlike other sites, Kenapara Eco-park is managed and maintained by local Self-Help Groups. These groups actively contribute to promoting mine tourism by operating facilities such as a floating restaurant, pisciculture, and boating. The revenue generated from these activities serves as a livelihood for the Self-Help Groups, establishing a unique model that combines sustainable tourism with community empowerment.

The Minister, in his written reply, also provided detailed State-wise and year-wise information about the project costs associated with each Eco-Park/Mine Tourism Site established by Coal/Lignite PSUs. Additionally, Annexure – II includes details of new Eco-parks, along with their estimated project costs, further illustrating the commitment of these PSUs to the development of eco-friendly tourism initiatives.

The establishment of Eco-Parks/Mine Tourism Sites by Coal/Lignite PSUs reflects a commendable effort to balance industrial activities with environmental conservation, fostering community engagement and sustainable practices in the process. As these initiatives continue to unfold, they contribute significantly to the broader goal of promoting responsible tourism and ensuring the well-being of local communities.