The plantation covered more than 10,000 Ha of land in various coalfields
Coal/Lignite PSUs under the Ministry of Coal have achieved a plantation of more than 217 lakh native species, covering more than 10000 Ha of land during last 5 years from FY 2019-20, according to a press release. These PSUs have planted over 35.17 lakh native saplings on an area of 1907 Ha of land in and around coal mining areas as against the target of 2400 Ha in FY 2023-24.
Coal/Lignite PSUs are aiming at minimising the footprints of coal mining through sustained reclamation and afforestation of areas in and around its operating mines, according to the press release. The reclamation activities are being carried out as per well-designed and approved mine closure plans.
The efforts are in line with India’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) commitment towards the creation of additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover and India’s long-term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070. Carbon sinks absorb and store carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. This step by the Ministry of Coal can also be seen to carry forward National Mission for a Green India (GIM), which started in 2014 to protect, restore and enhance India’s shrinking forest cover.