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Union coal minister G. Kishan Reddy announced today that the ministry of coal is taking steps to transform closed coal mines across India into tourism hotspots.
Drawing inspiration from countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia—where disused coal mines have been repurposed into cultural centres, reservoirs, and industrial hubs—India is now embracing similar initiatives.
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“Coal and Lignite public sector undertakings (PSUs) have launched various repurposing projects, including eco-parks, mine tourism sites, recreational parks, pisciculture in mine voids, solar power installations, and other community-focused facilities,” said Mr Reddy.
To date, six such projects have been implemented by subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, including one by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) near Durgapur in West Burdwan district. Mr Reddy recently inaugurated the Eco Park and Orchard at the Jhanjra Project of ECL.
The six repurposed sites include:
Bishrampur (Kenapara) and Ananya Vatika – South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
– Saoner Eco Park – Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
– Kayakalp Vatika and Pisciculture at Kerketta Mine Void – Central Coalfields Limited (CCL)
– C S Azad Eco Park at Orient Mine No. 4 – Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL)
– Sindoor Eco Park and Mango Orchard at Jhanjra – Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)
– Parasnath Udyan – Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)
Mine closures and repurposing efforts in India are now guided by the Guidelines for Preparation of Mining Plan and Mine Closure Plan for Coal and Lignite Blocks–2025. These guidelines promote scientific and socially responsible mine closure, focusing on land reclamation, environmental restoration, and post-mining land use for community and economic benefit.
They also outline strategies to minimise long-term ecological damage, rehabilitate land for diverse uses, and integrate activities such as agriculture, pisciculture, eco-tourism, waterbody restoration, green energy projects, and cultural heritage promotion. Importantly, they encourage active participation of local communities in the operation and maintenance of public spaces, fostering employment and cultural relevance.
While Coal/Lignite PSUs continue to ramp up production to meet India’s growing energy demands, mines that are closed due to resource exhaustion see permanent workers redeployed to other operational sites, ensuring job continuity.
In line with the Mine Closure Guidelines and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies, PSUs also implement skill development and livelihood programmes for local communities to enhance employability and create alternative income sources.
The guidelines mandate that at least 25 per cent of the five-yearly escrow amount deposited for mine closure be allocated to community development and livelihood initiatives. Additionally, 10 per cent of the final mine closure cost is earmarked for just transformation, to be utilised in consultation with district authorities and stakeholders for socio-economic transition, skill development, and sustained livelihood support in post-mining regions.
Notably, neighbouring Jharkhand has recently launched its own mine tourism initiative. The Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) has signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) to operate the country’s first coal mine tourism project. JTDC will organise daily group tours for 20 visitors at the scenic North Urimari Open Cast Mines in Ramgarh district.
Experts also suggest that Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in West Bengal could develop Asia’s deepest underground coal mine at Chinakuri—located near Asansol, 2,200 feet beneath the North Bank of the Damodar River—into a unique and memorable coal tourism destination.
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