Coal India Limited (CIL) has undertaken extensive afforestation initiatives as part of its environmental responsibility and sustainable mining practices. The key highlights of CIL’s plantation efforts are:

1. Large-Scale Afforestation & Green Cover Expansion

• Massive tree plantation drives across mining areas to restore ecological balance.
• Use of high-density plantation methods such as the Miyawaki technique for rapid afforestation.
• Creation of green belts to act as carbon sinks and improve air quality.

2. Land Reclamation & Ecological Restoration

• Rehabilitation of degraded and mined-out lands through afforestation.
• Conversion of overburden dumps into green zones by planting indigenous species.
• Implementation of scientific mine closure plans with afforestation as a key component.

3. Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Practices

• Plantation of native tree species to support local flora and fauna.
• Establishment of eco-parks and biodiversity zones in reclaimed mining areas.
• Collaboration with forest departments and research institutions for sustainable afforestation.

4. Water Conservation & Soil Stabilization

• Integration of plantations with rainwater harvesting structures.
• Use of vegetation to prevent soil erosion and improve groundwater recharge.
• Development of green spaces around water bodies to enhance ecological benefits.

5. Community Engagement & Livelihood Generation

• Involvement of local communities in plantation activities, providing employment opportunities.
• Agroforestry initiatives enabling villagers to cultivate fruit-bearing trees for additional income.
• Conducting awareness programs on environmental conservation and the benefits of afforestation.

CIL’s plantation efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, contributing to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration in mining-affected regions.

Summary of the Coal India Limited BRSR Report (2023-24)

The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for Coal India Limited (CIL) outlines the company’s sustainability performance in key areas such as energy consumption, water usage, emissions, and waste management. Below are the key highlights:

1. Energy Consumption & Efficiency

• Total Energy Consumption (FY24): 1,72,74,205.44 GJ (reduced from 1,82,70,067.63 GJ in FY23).
• Renewable Energy Consumption: Increased significantly from 24,610.74 GJ (FY23) to 72,789.10 GJ (FY24).
• Energy Intensity: Improved from 132.15 (FY23) to 121.37 (FY24) per rupee of turnover.

2. Water Management

• Total Water Withdrawal (FY24): 5,853.44 kilolitres, mainly from surface water and groundwater.
• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Implemented various initiatives, including Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), and Rainwater Harvesting.

3. Air Emissions

• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:
  • Scope 1 (Direct): 2,64,24,706 metric tonnes of CO₂ (up from 2,40,06,330 in FY23).
  • Scope 2 (Indirect): 82,41,497 metric tonnes of CO₂ (up from 74,95,920 in FY23).
  • Scope 3 (Value Chain Emissions): 8,82,554 metric tonnes of CO₂.
• Other Air Pollutants (NOx, SOx, PM10): Minor variations compared to the previous year.

4. Waste Management & Circular Economy

• Total Waste Generated: 5,12,47,09,927 metric tonnes (significant increase from 4,27,51,55,394 metric tonnes in FY23).
• Key Waste Management Practices:
  • Recycling & Reuse: Large-scale reuse of overburden waste for sand production and road construction.
  • Hazardous Waste Disposal: Managed as per regulatory guidelines.

5. Climate Action & Sustainability Initiatives

• Solar Energy Projects: 70 MWp ground solar and 1.629 MWp rooftop solar capacity added in FY24, generating 202.19 lakh units.
• Energy Efficiency Measures: Implementation of LED lights, energy-efficient motors, electric vehicles, etc.
• Green Cover Expansion: Planted 44.40 lakh saplings, covering 2,167.61 hectares, creating a carbon sink of 1.09 million metric tonnes of CO₂ per year.
• First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Projects: Mechanized coal transportation system to reduce CO₂ emissions.

6. Compliance & Environmental Impact

• Environmental Approvals: Various projects have undergone Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
• Mining Operations in Eco-sensitive Areas: Compliance ensured in all mining sites.
• Business Continuity & Risk Management: The company has a risk management policy and business continuity plan to address climate and operational risks.

This report highlights CIL’s commitment to sustainability while balancing its operational activities with environmental responsibility. Let me know if you need a more detailed analysis of any section.

To know more, visit –

• https://www.coalindia.in/departments/environment/
• https://www.coalindia.in/departments/environment/cil-subsidiaries-environment/
• https://www.coalindia.in/departments/environment/reports-env/