Minister of Coal and Mines Releases Guidelines for Rejuvenation of Traditional Water Bodies in Mining Regions

New Delhi: G Kishan Reddy, the Minister of Coal and Mines, today unveiled comprehensive guidelines aimed at the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies in coal and lignite mining regions. The guidelines were released in the presence of Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, and Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal.

Addressing the gathering, G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the invaluable nature of water as a critical natural resource. He noted that effective utilization of mine water not only addresses ecological impacts but also transforms a potential challenge into an opportunity for positive change. The innovative strategy includes various measures, such as empowering self-help groups (SHGs) to operate floating restaurants on water-filled mine pits. This initiative provides new economic opportunities for local communities while enhancing local tourism.

“Repurposing mine water for diverse uses, including industrial purposes, groundwater recharge, high-tech cultivation, and fish farming, demonstrates its versatility as a valuable resource,” Reddy stated. “This comprehensive approach not only mitigates environmental impacts by creating water bodies at rehabilitation sites but also plays a crucial role in enhancing community resilience. By restoring these water resources, Coal and Lignite Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), guided by the Ministry of Coal, aim to improve local livelihoods and support sustainable development.”

Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, highlighted the importance of innovative water management in addressing the challenges associated with coal mining. He stressed that repurposing mine water for community development and environmental preservation reflects a forward-thinking approach to resource management. “By supporting initiatives that transform mine water into valuable assets, such as recreational areas and local enterprise projects, the government aims to balance economic benefits with ecological stewardship,” Dubey remarked.

Amrit Lal Meena, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, underscored the initiative’s focus on repurposing mine water for drinking, irrigation, fishing, water sports, and mine tourism in coal mining areas. He noted that these efforts contribute to maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. “By transforming a byproduct into a multifaceted resource, the Ministry of Coal demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being, setting a benchmark for responsible resource management,” Meena added.

The project, titled “Rejuvenation of Traditional Water Bodies in Coal/Lignite Mining Regions,” aligns with the guidelines of Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022) from the Department of Rural Development, Government of India. It will serve as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Coal/Lignite CPSUs, including Coal India Limited (CIL) and NLC India Limited (NLCIL). The project aims to rejuvenate and establish at least 500 water bodies in and around coal and lignite mining areas over the next five years (FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29).

CPSUs will manage water bodies within leasehold areas, while District Collectors will handle those outside the leasehold areas. Each new water body will have a pondage area of at least 0.4 hectares and a capacity of around 10,000 cubic meters. The project will also leverage mine water from active and abandoned mines, in line with the Government of India’s Jal Shakti Abhiyan. In FY24, approximately 4,892 lakh kiloliters (LKL) of treated mine water were provided to 981 villages in coal/lignite-bearing states. Over the past five years, 18,513 LKL of mine water has been made available for community use, including irrigation and drinking purposes.

The release of these guidelines marks a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable mining practices. By providing clear directives for the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, the Ministry of Coal is setting a precedent for effective environmental stewardship and community engagement. These guidelines will ensure a structured and impactful approach to restoring vital water resources, ultimately contributing to ecological balance and an enhanced quality of life in mining regions.