Coal and lignite companies have planted approximately 30mn saplings across 13,400 hectares of mined land over six years. The restoration efforts employ techniques including Miyawaki forest development and drone seeding to accelerate ecological recovery.
These programmes fulfil environmental clearance obligations as coal production exceeds 1bn tonnes annually. While afforestation provides local environmental benefits and improves community relations, critics argue it cannot offset combustion emissions from expanded coal use.
Success rates vary significantly based on regional climate, soil conditions and maintenance quality. States with reliable monsoons report higher survival rates, though long-term ecosystem restoration requires sustained investment beyond initial plantation efforts.
The initiatives reflect recognition of mining’s environmental impact while India maintains coal dependence. As renewable capacity expands, restoration programmes may help secure social licence for continued operations during the extended transition period.