Why in News?
The Ministry of Coal will release AAROH (Annual Report on Mine Closure) on 22 July 2026, highlighting India’s progress in scientific mine closure. The event will also witness the signing of the India-Germany Implementation Agreement on mine closure, inauguration of Coal NEER Plants, and MoUs under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.
Key Highlights
- AAROH is the first comprehensive annual report documenting India’s scientific mine closure efforts.
- For the first time since Independence, 42 coal mines have been scientifically closed according to approved mine closure plans.
- The report showcases:
- Scientific land reclamation.
- Ecological restoration.
- Sustainable post-mining land use.
- Community-centric rehabilitation and livelihood generation.
Frameworks for Scientific Mine Closure
The Ministry of Coal has developed dedicated frameworks and digital tools to ensure scientific and sustainable mine closure:
- RECLAIM (Resourceful Engagement and Community-Led Action in Integrated Mine Closure) Framework promotes community participation and stakeholder engagement during mine closure.
- L.I.V.E.S. (Livelihood, Inclusion, Value, Environment and Sustainability) Framework provides guidelines for sustainable mine closure and productive post-mining land use.
- SUVIKALP (Sustainable Utilisation of Vast Land Resources through Intelligent Planning) is an interactive decision-support tool for identifying suitable post-mining land-use options.
International Cooperation
- The Ministry of Coal will sign an Implementation Agreement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany.
- The partnership aims to:
- Build institutional capacity.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing.
- Adopt international best practices in scientific mine closure and post-mining development.
Community Development Initiatives
- Coal NEER Plants will be inaugurated to provide safe and sustainable drinking water in coal-bearing regions.
- Tripartite MoUs will be signed among BCCL, JRDA, and private industries for establishing vocational training centres under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.
Significance
- Promotes environmentally responsible mining practices.
- Restores degraded mining landscapes and biodiversity.
- Converts abandoned mines into productive assets for agriculture, tourism, forestry, renewable energy, or industrial use.
- Enhances livelihood opportunities through skill development and community participation.
[2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)?
1.CCO is the major source of coal Statistics in Government of India.
2.It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/ Lignite blocks.
3.It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
4.It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[A] 1, 2 and 3
[B] 3 and 4 only
[C] 1 and 2 only
[D] 1, 2 and 4