GSDP Conversation Series Concludes in Ranchi, Emphasizing Just Transition in Jharkhand’s Coal Regions

Ranchi: The eighth edition of the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP) Conversation Series concluded on a hopeful note in Ranchi, marking a significant step toward shaping the future of Jharkhand’s coal regions through the framework of a ‘Just Transition’. The high-level dialogue brought together senior officials from the Government of Jharkhand, the German Embassy, the European Union, and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, along with civil society leaders and development practitioners. The event focused on forging sustainable and inclusive strategies for transforming coal-dependent economies into resilient, forward-looking communities.

The event was held under the Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership and addressed the urgent need to reimagine economic futures for communities that rely heavily on coal mining. The discussions emphasized that Just Transition is not just an environmental imperative but also a socio-economic opportunity—one that can create sustainable livelihoods, empower women and youth, and promote inclusive local economies.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr. Philipp Ackermann, German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, emphasized the timeliness of the dialogue. “Coal is not a wave on which we can surf endlessly—at some stage it comes to an end. So what does one do when it does? Whether they are state-run or privately operated coal mines, alternatives must be explored. I’m very happy, privileged, and honoured that Germany, with our experience, can be a partner in this conversation of Just Transition,” he said.

A.K. Rastogi, Chairman of the Jharkhand Just Transition Task Force, outlined the challenges and opportunities the state faces in this context. He noted that 18 out of Jharkhand’s 24 districts depend on fossil fuel-based industries for their economic survival. “Just Transition requires long-term planning. It is more important for a state like Jharkhand to transition in a way that is inclusive and does not affect livelihoods. We have identified eight thematic areas for intervention. Two aspects are especially important—communication and inclusion. How do we engage with communities and take them along in this journey?”

Representing the European Union, Thomas McClenaghan, Minister Counsellor and Head of Section for Sustainable Modernisation at the EU Delegation to India and Bhutan, elaborated on Europe’s commitment to Just Transition and climate neutrality. “The EU has a complex political structure, and decisions on climate change and energy transition are made through deep discussions and consensus. These decisions are then embedded in legislation, providing a solid framework for action. Just Transition is an integral part of this framework,” he explained.

A panel discussion moderated by Uwe Gehlen, Head of Economic Cooperation & Development at the German Embassy, brought together varied perspectives from stakeholders including Dr. Ulrike Reviere, Country Director of GIZ India; Ramapati Kumar, CEO of CEED; and Shri K. Srinivasan, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Rural Development, Government of Jharkhand. The conversation explored the need for workforce reskilling, the role of women-led microenterprises, the importance of supporting community-based entrepreneurship, and improving mobility and access to services in districts affected by the coal industry’s decline.

The event built on a strong foundation of Indo-German cooperation in Jharkhand. In recent years, Coal India Ltd. officials have visited Germany and Poland to learn from their experiences in managing Just Transition. In return, German government representatives have made multiple visits to Jharkhand to better understand its unique regional challenges. These mutual exchanges have helped shape collaborative strategies aimed at revitalizing closed, abandoned, and soon-to-be-closed mines in the region.