Minister for coal, G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the transformative potential of effectively utilizing mine water, including its use for industrial purposes, groundwater recharge, high-tech cultivation, and fish farming.
The ministry of coal has announced a significant increase in coal production and dispatch for July 2024, reflecting a robust performance in the sector. The total coal production for the month reached 74.07 million tonnes (MT), marking a 6.69 per cent increase from the 69.42 MT recorded in July 2023, the coal ministry has said in a press release issued on Thursday. This growth is mirrored in Coal India Limited’s (CIL) output, which rose to 55.04 MT in July 2024, up 2.54 per cent from 53.67 MT the previous year.
Cumulative coal production up to July 2024 for the fiscal year 2024-25 stands at 321.45 MT (provisional), compared to 292.80 MT during the same period in FY 2023-24, reflecting a growth of 9.78 per cent, the coal ministry has said. In parallel, coal dispatch also saw a rise, reaching 79.54 MT in July 2024, an increase of 4.58 per cent from 76.05 MT in July 2023. The cumulative coal dispatch up to July 2024 is 341.61 MT (provisional), up 7.92 per cent from 316.54 MT in the previous year.
Coal stock levels as of July 31, 2024, have surged to 86.8 MT, showcasing an impressive annual growth rate of 43.85 per cent. This increase highlights the sector’s resilience and commitment to meeting national energy demands.
Rejuvenating water bodies
In a related development, the Ministry of Coal has introduced new guidelines for the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies in coal and lignite mining regions. Announced on August 1, 2024, the guidelines aim to repurpose mine water to mitigate ecological impacts and enhance community benefits.
Minister for coal, G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the transformative potential of effectively utilizing mine water, including its use for industrial purposes, groundwater recharge, high-tech cultivation, and fish farming. The initiative also explores innovative concepts such as floating restaurants on water-filled mine pits to boost local tourism and economic opportunities.
The project, aligned with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Mission Amrit Sarovar guidelines, aims to rejuvenate and establish at least 500 water bodies over the next five years. The focus is on creating water bodies within and around mining areas, leveraging treated mine water for community use.
The new guidelines underscore the ministry’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, setting a precedent for balancing economic growth with ecological preservation, the ministry’s press release stated.
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