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| Last Updated::09/01/2025

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Chintan Shivir 2.0 by Ministry of Coal on 07th January 2025

 

Date | 07.01.2025:

 

The Ministry of Coal convened the insightful Chintan Shivir 2.0 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, chaired by Hon'ble Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy and co-chaired by Hon'ble MoS Shri Satish Chandra Dubey. The event brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on reforms, innovation, and sustainability, addressing challenges, exploring opportunities, and shaping a future-ready coal sector. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen India’s energy security while promoting sustainable mining practices.

 

 

 

 

Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, in his opening remarks at Chintan Shivir 2.0, emphasized the importance of using this platform to explore new streams of thought, innovative ideas, possibilities, and productive ways of working. He highlighted the need to thoughtfully accelerate coal production, aiming for a significant quantum leap to meet the nation's energy demands. He stressed the importance of efficient, speedy, and cost-effective coal evacuation while focusing on systematic mine closures. Shri Dutt also underscored the Ministry's commitment to sustainability in all operations, including the restoration of biodiversity and environmental preservation.

 

 

During Chintan Shivir 2.0, the first panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Vismita Tej, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, focused on the 'Future of Coal in India'. The esteemed panel, comprising Shri Niladri Bhattacharya from Grant Thornton Bharat, Shri Tushar Chakraborty, Director at Deloitte, and Ms. Vartika Shukla, CMD of EIL, discussed strategies to overcome challenges and bridge the gap between current coal production levels and the ambitious target of 2 BT.

 

A key area of discussion was the need for a comprehensive SWOT analysis of both captive and commercial coal blocks. The panel explored how coal PSUs, captive mines, and commercial coal mines could contribute to achieving the 2 BT target. In addition, the discussions highlighted the need to address the cost competitiveness of India’s coal portfolio in comparison to green power. The focus was on ensuring coal remains viable, market-friendly, and more aligned with customer proximity.

 

The panel also emphasized the importance of streamlining coal evacuation processes and enhancing coal transportation systems to optimize and rationalize logistics. It was highlighted that augmenting railway evacuation, with a specific focus on captive coal evacuation modes, is crucial. Future logistics strategies were discussed, including improving efficiency in the evacuation of coal through Broad Gauge Open Wagons (BOBR) and optimizing both short- and long-distance coal transportation, particularly along coastal and inland routes.

 

Furthermore, the discussions addressed the Government’s emphasis on alternative coal usage, particularly coal gasification. The challenges related to cost and quality in transitioning to cleaner coal technologies were examined, along with the strategic importance of Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) in ensuring the sustainability of coal use in India’s energy transition.

 

 

 

During Chintan Shivir 2.0, the second session of the panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, MoC, focused on "Sustainable Coal Mining & Community Involvement". The session explored key aspects such as the systematic closure of depleting coal mines, managing sustainable initiatives that promote environmental preservation & local livelihoods, & the potential of mine closure as an opportunity for biodiversity conservation & livelihood generation. A strong emphasis was placed on balancing ecological needs with community development, with active participation from local communities and self-help groups to shape a sustainable future.

 

Experts & Stakeholders shared valuable perspectives, ensuring the development of a comprehensive & sustainable strategy for the coal sector.

 

 

 

During the Chintan Shivir, Hon'ble Minister of Coal & Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy presented awards for Special Campaign 4.0, recognizing excellence in areas such as AI innovation, solar project panels, scrap disposal & space optimization, cleanliness etc. The Minister also awarded top performers of iGOT, commending their dedication to learning & capacity building. iGOT Karmayogi, a Digital India platform, empowers government employees with essential skills for excellence in governance, driving the growth & transformation of the coal sector.

 

 

 

 

 

In his keynote address at Chintan Shivir 2.0, Hon'ble Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, emphasized the coal sector's pivotal role in ensuring India's energy security, while addressing challenges of sustainability & innovation. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to making coal a key driver of the nation’s energy transition, focusing on increased production, the integration of cleaner technologies & environmental protection. Shri Reddy stressed aligning coal mining practices with global sustainability goals, including reducing carbon emissions through coal gasification and adopting best practices in overburden management.

 

The Minister underscored that safety in mining operations is non-negotiable, urging coal PSUs and industry partners to implement advanced technologies and stringent safety standards to safeguard workers. He also highlighted the urgent need for robust mine closure mechanisms that prioritize biodiversity conservation, land reclamation, and the transformation of mined-out areas into sustainable, productive spaces. Shri Reddy emphasized that mine closure should not merely be a regulatory requirement, but an opportunity to regenerate ecosystems, restore local habitats, and create spaces for community development and ecological balance. Effective closure planning is essential to ensure that these areas contribute to long-term environmental health and local economic growth.

 

Shri Reddy further emphasized the importance of community involvement in sustainable development. He called on coal PSUs and stakeholders to actively engage with local communities and self-help groups, promoting welfare initiatives in healthcare, education, and livelihoods. He stressed that skill development, employment generation, and environmental stewardship should be integral to coal sector operations.

 

He expressed serious concerns about illegal coal mining and assured robust measures to curb it with full Government support. The Minister also called for greater adoption of advanced technologies like AI, coal gasification, and CCUs to diversify the sector and ensure environmentally responsible practices. With coal driving energy security, economic growth, and employment generation, the sector remains a cornerstone of India’s journey toward sustainable and inclusive development.

 

He also congratulated the winners of the Special Campaign and the best performer of iGOT for their enthusiastic participation. Earlier, Shri Reddy also had interactive session with iGOT best performers.

 

 

(Source: https://www.linkedin.com/)