States » SouthPosted at: Jul 3 2025 6:24PM


Hyderabad: Union Minister Kishan Reddy chairs coal and mines consultative meet

Hyderabad, July 3 (UNI) The Consultative Committee meeting of the Union Ministry of Coal and Mines was held today at Kanha Shanti Vanam on the outskirts of Hyderabad, under the chairmanship of Union Minister G Kishan Reddy.
The meeting witnessed detailed discussions on mine closure strategies, mineral exploration, worker welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Minister Kishan Reddy, along with Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, MPs, senior ministry officials, and CMDs of Coal India and Singareni Collieries, took part in the deliberations. Officials presented progress made in areas like scientific mine closure, while committee members offered key suggestions for further action.

Lauding the Centre’s initiatives, members urged the government to prioritise re-employment for individuals displaced due to land allotment for mining.

In response, Kishan Reddy assured that the Centre is actively considering such social welfare measures, with particular attention to mine-affected communities.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing coal production, ensuring worker welfare, and promoting environmental protection. Notably, he announced an enhanced employee insurance benefit of Rs 1 crore, in addition to existing coverage, as part of broader accident-prevention efforts.

In a major green initiative, Coal India and Singareni Collieries signed MoUs with the Heartfulness organisation at Kanha Shanti Vanam. Singareni will collaborate on building a “green wall” in Ramagundam, while Coal India will partner with Heartfulness to restore greenery in coal mine-affected regions across India.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Kishan Reddy highlighted the historical neglect of mine closures since independence. “Coal mining left behind vast abandoned blocks. For decades, no steps were taken to scientifically reclaim these lands,” he said.

He informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently directed a comprehensive plan for the scientific closure of 143 defunct coal mines. “This year, we have already initiated work in 10 mines and successfully closed seven to eight. In the coming months, we will complete closures of the remaining 130, ensuring environmental restoration and land repurposing for public benefit,” he added.

The Union minister also praised the Heartfulness Foundation’s greening efforts at Shadnagar, stating that their model inspired the new partnership aimed at post-closure ecological revival. “We are committed to converting these abandoned mines into green, usable spaces that serve the local population and environment,” he added. UNI VV SSP
Tags: #Hyderabad: Union Minister Kishan Reddy chairs coal and mines consultative meet
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