Coal India and SCCL partner to develop a sustainable ecosystem

Coal India Ltd and The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have signed two Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) to foster restoration green cover and ecosystem development at mine closure sites. The MoUs aim to create a viable green cover over closed mines, control hazardous gases, replenish soil layers and create a sustainable ecosystem at the closure sites.

Coal India Ltd and The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) joined hands led by Revered Daaji (Guide of Heartfulness & President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission) by signing two MoUs respectively, as announced by the Ministry of Coal and Mines. G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines graced the MoU signing event at Kanha Shanti Vanam the headquarters of Heartfulness, in the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The Union Minister was accompanied by Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State of Coal and Mines; senior management from the central government, and representatives from Coal India Ltd., SCCL and Heartfulness. The purpose of the MoUs is to foster restoration, bring a green cover and develop an ecosystem at the mine closure sites through Heartfulness Institute resources in alignment with the RECLAIM initiative.

The RECLAIM initiative, which is an acronym for 1. Reach-out 2. Envision 3. Co-design 4. Localise 5. Act 6. Integrate 7. Maintain is intended at the Community Engagement and Development Framework for Mine Closure and Repurposing. It builds on field experience and global good practices, including guidance from ICMM (2022), the Sustainable Development Goals, and IFC Performance Standard.

Heartfulness Institute will provide the necessary technology and resources for creating a viable green cover over the closed mines, controlling and sequestering hazardous gases, replenishing the soil layers, and creating a sustainable ecosystem at the mine closure sites. The framework will generate the livelihoods of those around the closed mining sites or those who depend on mining for livelihoods.

The MoUs will ensure that the regions that were once shaped by extraction become spaces for renewal, dignity, and opportunity. Since mine closures significantly impact both landscapes, there is a need to restore natural systems. An equal need to strengthen local institutions and enable sustainable livelihoods is felt. The RECLAIM framework is a key step toward a structured guide for inclusive community engagement and development throughout the mine closure and post-closure phases. It offers a practical, step-by-step approach to institutionalising community participation in the transition process.

G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, said, “We are committed to restoring the closed mine sites, as it is time for us to give back to nature. The Govt. Mandates mine closures in the most scientific and sustainable way and replenishes the mining sites with economic and environmental value across the country. Heartfulness’s meticulousness in creating a sustainable ecosystem is evident at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the Heartfulness headquarters. By joining hands with them, we will do all we can do for restoration, repurposing, and long-term socio-economic growth by generating livelihoods.”

“It is an opportune moment for Heartfulness to give life to the closed mining sites. Since the extraction depletes the site of nature’s bounty, we should feel the responsibility to give back to the best of our ability, not only in terms of creating a viable ecosystem but also in helping create sustainable livelihoods in such regions across the country,” added Rev. Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

The framework is supported by a suite of actionable tools, templates, and field-tested methodologies tailored to the Indian context. Special emphasis is placed on gender inclusivity, the representation of vulnerable groups, and alignment with Panchayati Raj Institutions, ensuring that the transition is equitable and locally relevant.