Record Growth in Coal Sector Among Eight Core Industries in 2023

Commercial coal mining is a win- win situation for stakeholders. The industries, businesses, investments will get new resources and markets. State governments will get more revenue and a huge population of the country will get employment. It means, there will be a positive impact on every sector”- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi

The above words of the Prime Minister aptly sums up the strategic importance of India’s Coal Sector. Relentless efforts by the Coal Ministry to ensure energy security of the nation by record increase in coal production and supply to the thermal power plants provided a special place to India’s coal sector among the core industries of the country during the year 2023. In October 2023, among eight core industries, India’s coal sector achieved a remarkable 18.4% growth, as per Core Industries Performance Index released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industries.

 The Ministry of Coal has played a pivotal role in driving the above growth through various innovative reforms. These initiatives include augmenting domestic coal production, stepping up commercial coal mine auction, engaging Mine Developer cum Operators (MDOs) to ramp up domestic output and reopening of discontinued mines on a revenue-sharing model to boost production.

On 21st December, Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi launched the 9th round of commercial auction. A total of 31 coal mines, including 26 under the 9th  round and 5 under the 2nd  attempt of the 7th  round, were offered in the 9th  round. These mines are spread across coal/lignite-bearing states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.

         

Domestic coal production is very likely to cross One Billion tonne in 2023-2024. As per the latest statistics, coal production touched 664.37 million tonne during FY 2023-24 up to 25th December. With 8.39% growth, coal dispatch to power sector during this period also touched 577.11 million tonne. Hence, the present growth of India’s coal sector aligns well with the vision of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" and contributes considerably to the nation's progress towards self-sufficiency and energy security.

Consistent efforts by the Ministry of Coal in tandem with other ministries also ensured enhanced rake availability for seamless transportation of coal during 2023. During the year,  the Ministry has ensured adequate availability of quality coal to Thermal Power Plants and other crucial sectors of the economy, giving further fillip to the success saga of India’s economic growth.

The noteworthy achievements of the Ministry during  2023 is also marked by a number of reforms/policy measures centred around further enhancing overall coal production and supply, special focus on environment -friendly Underground Coal production, curtail import to the very minimum, coal gasification projects, successful commercial coal mine auction and sustainable mining practices.

Further details of the reforms and policy measures put in place by the Ministry of Coal during 2023 in line with ensuring energy security and sustainable mining practices can be summed up as follows:-

1. REFORMS & POLICY

1.1.  Coal Linkage Policy implementation

1. Policy for Auction of Coal Linkages to Non-Regulated Sector:                                                                                                                           

During Calendar Year 2023 ( upto November, 2023) under the NRS e-auction 24.23 MT was booked against the total offered quantity of 30.37 MT.

2. Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala (Coal) Transparently in India (SHAKTI) Policy:

• Five tranches of Linkage Auction have been conducted by Coal India Limited from January to November 2023. Out of total offered quantity of 35.53 MT of coal, 27.99 MT of coal have been booked by successful bidders.
• Coal linkages granted to 11 central/state Gencos under for a capacity of 13420 MW from January to November 2023.
• Fourth round of linkage auction conducted by CIL during the period of January to November 2023. Out of total offered quantity of 8.10 MT of coal, 4.30 MT of coal was booked by successful bidders.

1.2.  Land Acquisition

The land acquired u/s 9(1) and vested u/s 11 of the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957 for subsidiaries of Coal India Limited

“During the period from 01.01.2023 to 20.12.2023, a total of 9695.7215 acres of land have been acquired under section 9 (1) of the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957 for subsidiaries of Coal India Limited. A total of 4052.041 acres of land have been vested to subsidiaries of CIL under section 11(1) of the CBA (A&D) Act, 1957”.

ii) Details of land acquired by various subsidiaries of Coal India Limited under various Acts (i.e., CBA Act, RFCTLARR, Act (erstwhile LA Act, 1894) and through agreement, etc., which is uploaded on PM Gatishakti Portal total land as on 05.12.2023, are given below:-

1.3. Coal Mines (Special Provision) Rules, 2014

Coal Mines (Special Provision) Rules, 2014 have been amended and notified on 29.05.2023 incorporating additional provision for accepting the bid security in the form of online deposit.

1.4. The Coal Blocks Allocation Rules, 2017

Coal Blocks Allocation Rules, 2017 was amended through the Coal Blocks Allocation (Amendment) Rules, 2023 notified on 29.05.2023 which allows additional provision for accepting the bid security in the form of online deposit.

1.5. Guidelines on “Safety and Health Management Audit in Coal and Lignite Mines”

The focus of the safety health management system audit is a system driven, instead of individual-driven and based on the principles of risk management in place of compliance-oriented, that is, identification of hazards and assessment of risk and implementation of control to ensure risk at an acceptable level and as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). 

One of the reasons for the ineffective implementation of the present system of risk-based safety management in Indian coal mines is the lack of suitable mechanisms or processes for auditing the SMPs at regular intervals. In view of the above, Ministry of Coal issued guidelines for regular auditing to be adopted by the mine management on 14th December 2023 for effective implementation of the Safety and Health Management system. The auditing shall be done by qualified auditors who are experienced in SHMS having domain knowledge and experience. 

1.6 Amendment in timeline in CIMS Portal

After stakeholder consultations on functioning of CIMS portal and other related issues, an amendment was effected in the timeline of registration in CIMS portal. The importer can apply for registration not earlier than 60th day and till the arrival date (Zeroth Day) of consignment. The Automatic Registration Number shall remain valid for a period of 75 days. Importer shall have to enter the Registration Number and expiry date of Registration in the Bill of Entry to enable Customs for clearance of consignment.

1.7  Reforms in  Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO)

1. Cadre Restructuring of CMPFO - Cadre Restructuring of CMPFO with a total of 934 posts has been approved by Ministry of Finance (DoE) on 26.10.2023.
2. Digitization process in CMPFO- Digitization process has been initiated in CMPFO after a long time. So far, out of three phases of digitization, the Phase-I i.e. subscribers portal has been completed and employees are viewing their personal and ledger card details. Integration with the coal companies and online settlement process of claims for payment of PF and pension is covered under Phase-II which is likely to completed by December 2023. Phase-III will cover analytics and report generation process which is likely to be completed by April, 2024.
3. e-office in CMPFO - e-office in CMPFO has been made operational in CMPFO since July, 2023.

2. COAL PRODUCTION/SUPPLY

2.1. Coal Production:

1. The country has witnessed the highest ever coal production in the Year 2022-23. The all-India coal production in the year 2022-23 was 893.19 Million Tonne (MT) (Provisional) in comparison to 778.21 MT in the year 2021-22 with a growth of about 14.77%.
2. During Calendar Year 2023 (upto 20th December, 2023), the country has produced about 932.92 MT(Provisional) of coal as compared to about 864.25 MT(Provisional) coal during the same period of last year with a growth of about 7.95%.

2.2.  Coal Supplies:

1. During Calendar Year 2023 (upto 20 December, 2023), the country has supplied about 918.62 MT(Provisional) of coal as compared to about 860.19 MT(Provisional) coal during the same period of last year with a growth of about 6.79%.
2. During Calendar Year 2023 (upto 20 December, 2023), the coal supply to Power Sector was 764.57 MT(Provisional) as compared to 732.88 MT coal during the same period of last year with a growth of 4.32%.
3. During Calendar Year 2023 (upto 20 December, 2023), the coal supply to Non-Regulated Sector (NRS) was 154.05 MT(Provisional) as compared to 127.31 MT during the same period of last year with a growth of 21.00%.

2.3. Mission Coking Coal

With transformative measures taken by Ministry of Coal under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative of PM, domestic raw Coking Coal production is likely to reach 140 MT by 2030, CIL has planned to increase raw coking coal production from existing mines up to 26 MT and identified ten new mines with PRC of about 22 MT by FY 2025. Also, CIL has offered eight discontinued coking coal mines on a innovative model of revenue sharing to the private sector with a PRC of 2 MT. LOA issued for 6 nos, out of which, Agreement has been signed for 3 nos.

To further enhance raw coking coal production, the Ministry of Coal has auctioned 16 coking coal blocks to the private sector with a PRC of 25 MT during the last two years. Most of these blocks are expected to start production by 2025. The Ministry has also identified four coking coal blocks and the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) also will finalize GR for 4 to 6 new coking coal blocks in. These blocks may be offered in subsequent rounds of auction for private sector to further step up domestic raw coking coal supply in the country.

2.4  Setting up of Washeries

At present, domestic raw coking coal washing capacity is about 23 MT per annum including 9.26 MT of the private sector. Coal India Ltd. (CIL) is planning to set up and operationalize 9 more new washeries with a capacity of 26.5 MTPA. With setting up of new washeries, it is estimated that CIL will be able to supply about 15 MT of washed coking coal to the steel sector, thereby reducing import of coking coal. During FY 23, CIL supplied 2.15 MT washed coking coal to the steel sector and has set a target of 3.45 MT during FY24. Status of 11 Coking Coal Washeries-

•           Two Coking Coal washeries are constructed and operational

•           One washery commissioned

•           Two under construction 

•           LoI/WO issued for Four washeries

•           Two Washeries are to be tendered.

Additionally, 1 Non-coking Coal Washery is commissioned.

 

3. INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

3.1. First Mile Connectivity [FMC]

Ministry of Coal takes up 103 First Mile connectivity Projects  having capacity 1040 MT for seamless evacuation of coal- 31 Projects (29-CIL & 2-SCCL) of 291MTPA capacity have been commissioned.

To strengthen India’s energy security and to realize AtmaNirbhar Bharat by replacing imported coal with domestically mined coal, Ministry of Coal has set a target to produce 1.31BT in FY25 and 1.5BT in FY30. Development of coal transportation that is cost efficient, fast and environmental friendly manner is important goal of the country. 

Keeping in view of increase in coal evacuation in future, Ministry of Coal is working on the development of National Coal Logistic Plan including First Mile Connectivity through railway sidings near coal mines and strengthening of Rail Network in Coalfields.

MOC has formulated a strategy to develop an integrated approach for eliminating road transportation of coal in mines and has taken steps to upgrade the mechanized coal transportation and loading system under 'First Mile Connectivity' projects.  Coal Handling Plants (CHPs) and SILOs with Rapid Loading Systems will have benefits like crushing, sizing of coal and speedy computer aided loading.

MOC has undertaken 103 first mile connectivity (FMC) projects (95 – CIL, 5- SCCL & 3 – NLCIL) of 1040 MTPA capacity, out of which 31Projects (29-CIL & 2-SCCL) of 291 MTPA capacity have been commissioned.   Remaining projects  are to be implemented by FY2027-28

Study was undertaken through National Environmental Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur in 2020-21. NEERI Report has established yearly carbon emissions saving, reduction in truck movement density and diesel savings of Rs 2100 cr/year for 35 projects

With reduced manual intervention, precise pre-weighed quantity and better quality of coal can be loaded. Improved loading time will bring down the wagon idling increasing their availability. Easing the load on road networks promotes cleaner environment and savings on diesel. It will be an all-round win-win situation for the company, railways and the consumers.

 

3.2. Initiatives under PM Gati Shakti

The Ministry of Coal, in view of cleaner environment in coal transportation has given momentum in rail evacuation and also initiating news efforts to gradually move away from road movement of coal in country.  Planned construction of new broad gauge rail lines in Greenfield coal bearing areas, extending the rail links to newer loading points and  doubling and tripling the rail lines in some cases will  enhance  rail capacity considerably.

PM launched Gati Shakti- Nation Master Plan for Infrastructure development in October 2021 with the objective to bring different Ministries together and for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity Projects. It will incorporate the infrastructure schemes of various Ministries and State Governments and will also leverage technology extensively including spatial planning tools.

MoC has identified more than 100 layers and mapped on portal along with attributes and metadata. These data layers are being continuously monitored depending on the requirements and further layers along with their attributes may be added as and when required MoC and CMPDI is in constant touch with BISAG-N for taking immediate action on uploading of data layers

This layers will Speed ups the process of Planning by consideration of all requirements related to Ministries during the planning and execution stage in projects.

MoC on-boarded following layers on portal

 

a) More than 100 data layers mapped along with attributes and Metadata.

b) 51 layers are under construction

c) 24 layers are proposed to be added on portal.

East Zonal Conference

The Ministry of Coal has organized East Zonal Conference at Bhuvneshwar, Odisha on 16.2.2023 to address queries raised by Zones/States on National Logistic Policy including states-Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal & Bihar.

The conference aimed to bring efficiency in production and allocation of coal in Eastern Zonal States.  Ministry has focused on discussion on coal logistic with special focus on digitization of difference systems. There was in-depth interaction leading to working together with national perspective among all the stake holders. The conference was attended by officials of East zonal states and different Ministries like Coal, Railways, Power, Steel, Fertilizers & Chemicals, MORTH, Shipping port & waterways along with Industries representative of East Zone.

 

3.3. Railway Projects Commissioned during 2023

 

1. Bhadrachalam Road-Sattupalli New BG rail Line: 54 Km length new rail to facilitate unconnected areas of Telangana and coal transportation.

 

 

2. Angul — Balaram — Putagadia — Jarapada along with the link from Putagadia to Tentuloi(68 Km) (MCRL Rail Corridor in Odisha): This rail line will provide proximity to Talcher coalfields to nearby Paradip and Damra port and make it amenable to provide cheaper and alternative means of coal supply to distant location on east and west coast power plants and other users through sea route and ships relieving the existing congestion in upcoming rail routes.

 

 

3. Tori-Shivpur-Kathautia Railway Line:This new rail line of 49km, shall provide coal evacuation capacity of about 125 MT by rail and play major role in eliminating coal transportation by road via Koderma, Jharkhand to the trunk railway line from Howrah to Delhi.

 

4. CERL ( Kharsia-Dharamjaygarh Rail Link) Phase-I:

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14th September 2023 dedicated to the nation South Eastern Coalfields Limited's (SECL) East Rail Corridor Phase-1, built at a cost of approximately ₹ 3,055 crore, at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.

This 124 km track length line between Kharsia and Dharamjaygarh will help in transporting coal and other raw materials to various end-use projects including power generation projects from coal mines of SECL and other coal mines of Mand-Raigad Coalfield spread in Raigarh district, added the statement from PRO.

The annual capacity of the project is 62 million tonnes per year. In future, with the development of passenger transport facilities, people of this tribal-domina.

 

3.4 Coastal Shipping of Coal

 

The Ministry of Coal has taken an initiative to promote Rail-Sea-Rail which aims to integrate Rail-Sea-Rail (RSR) transportation for the efficient movement of domestic coal. This multimodal transportation system allows for the seamless transportation of coal from mines to ports and then to end-users, reducing transportation costs and improving logistic efficiency.

In the financial year FY’23, the major coal-producing states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, along with parts of Madhya Pradesh, accounted for approximately 75% of the total domestic raw coal despatch. Recognizing the need to increased coal production, the Ministry of Coal has projected nearly doubling of coal production in India with a CAGR of ~7.7% by FY’ 30.

The coastal shipping mode of transportation, which is an economical and eco-friendly system for moving goods, has the potential to revolutionize India's logistics industry. The ongoing efforts to augment coal evacuation such as RS/RSR, strives to achieve full capacity utilization of the ports along the Southern and Western coasts. This will enable efficient transportation of more coal to power houses in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. Initiatives are underway to optimise the costs of delivering coal through RSR. Opting for Rail-Sea-Rail could potentially save around Rs. 760-1300 per ton in logistics costs for end users located in Southern India. Presently, for supply of Coal from MCL (Paradip) to Western/Northern TPPs the total cost increases by around Rs 2500/ton over ARR but still it is cheaper than the total landed cost of imported coal.

The Ministry of Coal's efforts to promote Rail-Sea-Rail are yielding significant results as Rail-Sea-Rail transportation of coal has significant growth of around 125% over the past four years. With coal production in India expected to nearly double in the next seven years, the Rail Sea Rail as an alternative mode of transportation, becomes crucial for efficient Coal evacuation to consumption centres in India, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted power supply.

4. COAL BLOCK ALLOCATION

4.1. Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

Under the provisions of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Rules made thereunder, 34 coal blocks have been successfully auctioned.

4.2. Commercial Mining

Commercial Coal Mining: -

To reduce import of coal and to promote domestic production, auction-based regime introduced in 2014 allowed private sector participation, however, it was limited to captive usage in own end use plants. The sector has been opened up for commercial coal mining by private players in 2020 and first ever successful auction of commercial mining was launched by the Prime Minister on 18.06.2020 and concluded with allocation of 20 coal mines

1. As of now total 91 coal mines have successfully been auctioned under commercial mining having Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of ~220.90 MTPA. Once fully operational these mines will generate employment potential of about 2, 98,650 persons and would attract capital investment of more than Rs. 33,100 Crores.
2. Further, Ministry of Coal has also launched the auction process of 8th round offering 39 coal mines on Nov 15 2023 and 9th round offering 31 coal mines on Dec 2023
3. In Calendar Year 2023 Vesting Orders have been issued for 36 coal mines and Coal Mining Development and Production Agreement (CMDPAs) have been signed for 37 coal mines.

5. ASSET MONETIZATION

In the year 2022-2023 against the NITI Aayog Target of ₹30000 crore Ministry of Coal achieved ₹ 57179.99 crore.

Status of Asset Monetization in FY 2023-24 till November 2023 against NITI Aayog Target of ₹ 50118 crore is as follows:

S. No	Assets Category	Amount in ₹ crore
1	Coal Block Auction	44130
2	MDO	4018.03
3	Abandoned Mines	535
	Total	48683.88

 

Ministry of Coal achieved Capex Target for the FY 2022-23 of Rs. 23400.22 Cr which is 109.24% of the annual capex target. Detail of Capex Achieved in FY 2022-23 and in FY 2023-24 till November 2023 is given below:

in ₹ crore

Particulars	CIL	NLCIL	SCCL	Total
FY 2022-23
MoU Target for 2022-23	16500	2920	2000	21420
Achievement in 2022-23	18619.27	3307.78	1473.17	23400.22
% achievement in 2022-23	112.84%	113.28%	73.66%	109.24%
FY 2023-24
MoU Target for 2023-24	16500	2880	1650	21,030
Achievement till Nov 23	10491.76	2531.75	1001.22	14024.73
% achievement till Nov 23	63.59%	87.91%	60.68%	66.69%

 

6. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSBILITY

 

6.1. Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR Expenditure

As part of CSR, SCCL spend Rs.13.44 Cr. on CSR activities in 2023 for development of nearby villages, towns, environment measures etc. Compare to Rs. 11.39 crs during the same period last year.

CIL spent Rs. 517.93 cr. on a consolidated basis during FY 22-23 which was 17% more than the statutory requirement. For the ongoing financial year i.e. FY 23-24, the statutory target is Rs. 428.20 cr. 62% of which i.e. Rs. 264.37 cr. have been utilized upto 18.12.2023. On a consolidated basis, CIL has been one of the top ten corporate spenders in the country.

Major projects taken up during the year

• Replicating successful schemes such as ‘CCL Ke Laal/Laadli’ in other subsidiaries such as TARASH Super 30 in WCL for JEE & NEET coaching and SECL Ke Sushrut in SECL for NEET coaching. Under these schemes, free residential coaching is provided to meritorious underprivileged students for engineering/medical entrance examinations.
• Construction of women’s hostels at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
• Establishment of centralized kitchen in Ramgarh, Jharkhand for providing mid-day meals to 50,000 students
• Providing MRI machine for neurological treatment in Kolkata, West Bengal
• Construction of 5,000 seater library in Ranchi, Jharkhand
• Commencement of 3rd phase of Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana. Under this scheme, financial assistance of upto Rs. 10 lakhs is provided for Bone Marrow Transplants (BMTs) of Thalassemia and Aplastic Anemia patients in eleven major hospitals of the country. The processing of cases is through a portal which was also launched along with the 3rd phase of the scheme.

Skill Development

During FY 22-23, CIL on a consolidated basis covered 11,816 persons under its skilling/livelihood activities. For FY 23-24, the skilling/livelihood enhancement coverage target has been set at 8,000 persons.

Major events/happenings

• Inauguration of 500 bedded medical college and Hospital constructed by MCL at Talcher, Angul district, Odisha at a cost of Rs. 493 cr.
• Reaching the milestone of 400 beneficiaries by Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana, which was celebrated at Narayana Hrudyalaya Bengaluru

6.2 Mission Mode Recruitment

5910 appointment letters for various posts (CIL-5091 & NLCIL- 819) were issued under Mission Mode Recruitment upto November 2023.

7. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & JUST TRANSITION

1. Greening Initiatives: Bio-Reclamation/Plantation:
   1. During January 2023 to November, 2023, Coal/Lignite PSUs planted 53.48 lakh saplings on 2,711 Ha.
   2. Coal/Lignite PSUs achieved a cumulative plantation area of 10,735 Ha with 234.52 lakh saplings since FY 2019-20 and doubled the target/achievement of plantation since 2019.
   3. In adherence to Accredited Compensatory Afforestation (ACA) guidelines, 3003 Ha of de-coaled afforested land have been identified to create ACA land bank for future coal mining projects.

Green cover on reclaimed OB dump of JVR OC-II of SCCL

 

2. Development of Eco-Parks on Reclaimed Land & Mine Tourism
   1. Ministry of Coal and Coal/Lignite PSUs have prioritized the development of eco- parks and tourism sites to promote mine tourism.
   2. During January 2023 to November, 2023, Coal/Lignite PSUs developed 4 Eco-park/Mine Tourism sites.
   3. From FY 2019-20 to FY 2023-24 (as of November, 2023), Coal/Lignite PSUs have successfully established 15 Eco-Parks & Mine Tourism sites, with 7 sites integrated into the local tourism circuit, emphasizing a commitment to sustainable and accessible mine tourism experiences.
   4. It is also planned to develop 19 new Eco-Parks/Tourism sites in coal mining areas.

Neem-Vatika, Chanda Rayatwari Colliery, Chandrapur Area, WCL

Chandra Sekhar Azad Eco- Park at Bina Project, NCL

 

3. Utilization of Mine water for Community Use:
   1. Mine water is crucial for diverse community needs such as domestic use, irrigation, groundwater recharge, and industrial applications.
   2. During January 2023 to November, 2023, 2,513 LKL volume of treated mine water has been supplied for community purposes of which 1,193 LKL has been supplied for drinking purpose and 2,320 LKL has been supplied for irrigation purposes.
   3. Between FY 2018-19 and FY 2023-24 (as on November, 2023), Coal/Lignite PSUs have supplied a cumulative volume of around 18,582 Lakh Kilo Liters (LKL) of treated mine water for community purposes, benefiting annually approximately 17.70 lakh people in 981 villages across 9 states, showcasing the vital role of mine water in promoting community welfare and sustainable development.

Mine Water Treatment Plant at ECL

4. Alternative Usage of Overburden (OB)
   1. To promote Circular Economy (Waste to Wealth in Coal Sector), during January 2023 to November 2023, 2 numbers of OB to M-sand Plants have been commissioned by Coal/Lignite PSUs making it a total of 4 OB Processing Plants and 5 OB to M-sand Plants till November, 2023.
   2. 6 more such plants are under various stages of development.

Overburden to M-Sand Plant at Amlohri Plant at NCL

5. Energy Efficiency Measures
   1. Efficient use of energy resources and their conservation assume tremendous significance as one unit of energy saved at the consumption level ultimately translates into equivalent reduction of carbon footprint.
   2. Coal/lignite PSUs have taken of various energy conservation and efficiency measures during January 2023 to November 2023, such as replacement of 1.50 lakh conventional lights with LED lights, 2,562 energy efficient ACs, 45,325 Super Fans, deployment of 136 E-vehicles, 655 Efficient Water Heaters, 235 Energy Efficient Motors for Pumps, 624 Auto-timer in street lights and installation of Capacitor Banks.

8. OTHER ACTIVITIES

8.1. Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

"Meri Maati Mera Desh", with the tagline `Mitti ko naman, veeron ka vandan`, is a nationwide and people led “Jan bhagidari” initiative to commemorate 75 years of India's independence. "Meri Maati Mera Desh” is the finale of Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav program to celebrate many achievements of the nation. It involves paying tribute to the 'Veers' who protect our nation. At Ministry of Coal, ceremonies were conducted at the level of village, Panchayat, Block, Urban Local body, State and National level with a motive to affirm our bond to the nourishing earth and honor our braves with the following simple actions:

• • Dedication of Shilaphalakam-installation of nameplate of Veers.
  • Taking the Panch Pran Pledge.
  • Vasudha Vandan—creation of Amrit Vatika with 75 saplings of indigenous tree.
  • Veeron Ka Vandan- honoring freedom fighters/braves who protect the nation and families of braves.
  • Hoisting of National Flag and singing of National Anthem.

Mitti from the villages of India was collected at block level and then finally brought to the Capital along with volunteers from each block that would assemble at Kartavya Path. An Amrit Vatika would be planted in the Capital and the Prime Minister would administer the Panch Pran pledge to volunteers. As per the schedule prescribed, the level 1 (Village level) was completed during the period 1st September to 30th September 2023. During the said period, following activities/programmes were done by all Coal PSU in respective subsidiaries spread across the country.

• Collection of soil or rice in Amrit Kalash from houses in every village in a festive environment.
• During the collection of soil and rice in Amrit Kalash the group was accompanied by the people playing Dholaks, Nagadas.
• Panch Pran pledge was taken at time of soil and rice collection.

A total of 956 Kalash were collected from 21 districts by organizing Amrit Kalash yatras. Around 1 Lakh people participated in the yatras organized by the Coal Companies of Ministry of Coal at various urban blocks and villages.

 

8.2. Special Campaign for disposal of pendencies 3.0

In line with Government of India’s vision for enhancing operational efficiency, the Ministry of Coal conducted Special Campaign 3.0 from 2nd October 2023 to 31st October 2023 with resounding success. This focused initiative aimed at institutionalizing cleanliness and streamlining processes to mitigate pending matters. The Ministry achieved noteworthy success of effectively addressing public grievances leading to more public interface, references from Members of Parliament, and Parliament Assurances. A comprehensive Cleanliness drive, coupled with the meticulous disposal of scrap and the systematic weeding out of files, constituted the multifaceted approach.

The Ministry of Coal has completed the Special Campaign 3.0 with remarkable success. The achievements of the Ministry during the Special Campaign 3.0 are as under:

1. 1. 1. 100% target achieved in disposal of Public Grievances, PMO References, CMO References and IMC.
      2. 65,89,378 sq.ft. space was freed. Ministry of Coal is in the top position under the 'Space Freed' Category amongst all Ministries/Departments in the Government of India.
      3. Cleanliness Campaigns were conducted at 962 sites, against the initial target of 763 sites identified during the Preparatory phase, by the Ministry and its CPSEs.
      4. Revenue of Rs.34.01Cr. earned through disposal of 8499 MT scrap. MoC is at 4th position in the category of 'Revenue earned from Scrap' amongst all Ministries/Departments in the Government of India.
      5. 1, 39,969 physical files and 1,05,369 e-files were reviewed and total of 69,227 files were weeded out/closed.

 

The space freed up from scrap & waste disposal is being used for various purposes like plantations, horticultural activities, beautification, wider passages, parking space, office sitting arrangements, storage etc.      

 

 Parking Space created through removing unused materials at CMPDI (HQ), Ranchi, Jharkhand

 

                                        Before                                                          After

 

New Initiatives undertaken in Special Campaign 3.0

 

1. Plastic to Paver

Eastern Coalfields Limited collected single use plastic. After segregation of the plastic, it was processed into Paver Blocks/tiles at Bankola area.

   

                                  Before                                                                      After

 

2. Scrap to Sculpture

SECL’s Jamuna Kotma Area has undertaken the initiative of “Scrap to Sculpture” under Special Campaign 3.0 activities. The main objective of this project was to convert scrap materials of coal mines into various creative sculptures.

The colliery has established a public park to house and display these sculptures made from scrap at Bankim Vihar, Jamuna Kotma Area in Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. Among the scrap-made sculptures installed prominent ones are of a coal mine worker, a lion, a crane bird and a flower.

                    

Before                                                                         After

3. Punarutthan Charkha Udyan

In Neyveli Township, a garbage dump area was repurposed and "Punarutthan Charkha Udyan" was established

  

At Ministry of Coal the campaign witnessed widespread participation and significant outcomes have been achieved which can be seen at

Awards to Best Performers in Special Campaign 3.0

To appreciate the commendable efforts put forth by the Ministry & the coal companies for the success of Special Campaign 3.0 an award ceremony was organized in the presence of  Minister of Coal, Mines and parliamentary affairs Shri Prahlad Joshi. The awards were given to winners in the below categories.

 

8.3. Awards for Star Rating of Coal & Lignite Mines

 

Ministry of Coal organized prestigious Star Rating Awards ceremony on December 20, 2023, to recognize the exceptional performance of Coal and Lignite mines. With a steadfast commitment to elevating industry standards, the Ministry has implemented a well-defined mechanism to enhance performance across key criteria, promoting responsible coal mining practices for sustained growth and development. The Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi graced the occasion as the chief guest.

 

Ministry of Coal is committed to sustainability of Coal and Lignite mining, enhancing overall performance of coal mines in the country by championing sustainable mining practices and fostering competitiveness among mines. Therefore, the Ministry has formulated Star Rating Policy to distinguish outstanding performance of coal mines and accord them the recognition.  The Star rating policy outlines Star Rating criteria across seven comprehensive modules: “Mining Operations, Environmental factors, Adoption of Technologies-Best Mining Practices, Economic Performance, Rehabilitation & Resettlement, Worker related Compliance, and Safety & Security.”

The Star Ratings are awarded on a scale from Five Star to No Star, evaluating each mine’s achievements holistically. In the last four years (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22), a total of 68 mines have qualified for 5 star rating, scoring more than 91%.  Among them, 39 mines have ranked 1st 2nd & 3rd prize.

8.4. IT/Media Initiatives

1. Ministry of Coal has striven hard and taken lead towards standardization and improvement in IT working environment and service delivery through various portals and implementation of e-Governance Projects like Single Window Clearance System, Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS), Coal Projects Monitoring Portal, Star Rating of Coal Mines etc.
2. Keeping the priority accorded to Cyber Security, necessary steps are being taken by Ministry of Coal and PSUs under the Ministry of Coal on regular basis, to ensure and enhance Cyber Security like Nomination of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Preparation of Cyber Crisis Management Plan (CCMP), compliance of security guidelines etc.
3. During the month of October'23, which has been observed as National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Ministry of Coal organized a “Workshop on Cyber Security” to sensitize the PSUs and organizations under the administrative control of the Ministry about current cyber security challenges and adapt best cyber security practices to implement in their organizations.
4. Additionally, information about Cyber Hygiene is being disseminated through Social Media Handles and also through banners/standees placed at different locations of Ministry/PSUs for maximum awareness.
5. Ministry of Coal has made remarkable accomplishments in its media outreach to connect people. Through, the regular press releases, the Ministry has effectively communicated key initiatives, policies, and achievements. Ministry of Coal has active presence on various social media platforms, including X(Twitter), Facebook, Koo, Instagram, thread and LinkedIn showcased real-time updates, fostering engagement and transparency. Additionally, Ministry has contributed to informed public discourse through articles in prominent newspapers and magazines, providing in-depth insights into the coal sector’s development along with sustainability. This media strategy underscores the ministry's commitment to effective communication and public awareness.

 

9. FUTURISTIC AGENDA

9.1. Coal Gasification Project

With comfortable coal availability in the country, the Government of India has decided to promote gasification of coal in a big way.  Coal gasification can yield multiple energy, chemical and petro-chemical products, most of which are presently being imported.

In order to set up 02 Coal based  and one lignite based gasification project  to promote indigenous gasification technology, Coal India Limited has signed  two MOUs with BHEL and  GAIL on 12.10.2022 to set up coal based gasification projects at MCL Odisha to produce ammonium nitrate using high ash coal and  at ECL West Bengal to produce  Synthetic Natural Gas with low ash coal.  NLCIL has signed MOU with BHEL  for Methanol from Lignite in Tamil Nadu  under the aegis of Ministry of Coal.

 

9.2 Diversification of Coal companies

 

  

CIL, SCCL and NLCIL have planned to diversify its business in area of solar power generation, setting up of Coal/Lignite gasification plants, setting up of supercritical Thermal Power Plants, critical minerals mining and Pump Storage Plants. These companies have set target to achieve net-zero target by installing Renewable Energy project and till date, installed total RE projects having capacity of 1655 MW.