The Ministry of Coal organized Chintan Shivir 2.0 on January 7, 2025, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, aiming to foster innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in redefining the coal sector’s roadmap. The event was chaired by Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, and co-chaired by Union Minister of State, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey. Senior officials, including Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary (Coal), Additional Secretaries Ms. Rupinder Brar and Ms. Vismita Tej, along with CMDs, directors of coal PSUs, and key stakeholders, actively participated in the discussions.
Vision for a Sustainable Coal Sector
In his keynote address, Shri G Kishan Reddy highlighted the coal sector’s pivotal role in securing India’s energy needs while addressing sustainability challenges. He emphasized integrating cleaner technologies, such as coal gasification, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and aligning with global sustainability goals. The Minister stressed the importance of adopting advanced safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of workers, and developing robust mine closure mechanisms that prioritize biodiversity conservation and land reclamation.
Shri Reddy also underscored the coal sector’s responsibility to uplift local communities near mining areas. He urged coal PSUs to actively engage with local populations through welfare programs that enhance healthcare, education, and livelihoods. Skill development, employment generation, and environmental stewardship were emphasized as integral aspects of coal sector operations.
Future-Ready Strategies
Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, emphasized the need for innovation to make the coal sector future-ready. He called for a quantum leap in production to meet India’s growing energy needs while adopting sustainable mining practices. Efficient coal evacuation processes, restoration of biodiversity, and environmentally conscious operations were highlighted as critical areas for improvement.
Key Panel Discussions
The event featured two panel discussions addressing the future of coal and sustainable mining practices:
1. Future of Coal in India:
Moderated by Ms. Vismita Tej, this session explored strategies to achieve the target of 2 billion tonnes of coal production. Discussions focused on improving transportation systems, adopting cleaner technologies like coal gasification, and ensuring cost competitiveness to align with India’s energy transition goals. Participants also deliberated on bridging gaps in production and enhancing logistics for coal transportation, including coastal and inland evacuation strategies.
2. Sustainable Coal Mining and Community Involvement:
Led by Ms. Rupinder Brar, this panel emphasized mine closures, biodiversity conservation, and transforming mined-out areas into hubs for livelihood generation. The session highlighted the need for involving local communities and self-help groups in sustainable initiatives to achieve ecological and socio-economic balance.
Recognitions and Conclusion
During the event, Shri G Kishan Reddy felicitated coal PSUs for their outstanding performance under Special Campaign 4.0 and commended top performers on the iGOT Karmayogi platform for their dedication to capacity building.
The Shivir concluded with a strong commitment to a sustainable and inclusive coal-mining framework. Key takeaways included the adoption of innovative technologies, enhanced safety measures, and transforming mined-out areas into biodiversity hubs. The outcomes aim to establish global benchmarks for balancing energy needs with environmental and social responsibilities, reinforcing the coal sector’s contribution to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
