कोयला मंत्रालय
Promoting eco-tourism in mining areas
After the exhaustion of coal reserves, there are good prospects for promoting tourism through the development of eco parks from mining areas, sites for water sports, underground excursions, golf courses, avenues for recreation, adventure, bird watching, etc. In the last few years, coal/lignite PSUs have developed more than 30 eco-parks through the methodology of closure of viable mines. These mining areas are now stable, environmentally sustainable and a beautiful site aesthetically.
Some of these sites have already been integrated with the local tourism circuit and the coal companies are in consultation with the tourism departments of the respective state for integration of other parks. These sites are likely to generate revenue for self-sustainability and create employment potential for local people.
•NLCI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) on 0990099 to promote eco-tourism in Mines-I & II and to showcase sustainable mining activities 05.10.2022.
• NCL signs MoU with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to promote Singrauli Eco-Tourism Circuit.
• WCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Directorate of Tourism, Maharashtra to promote eco-tourism.
Development of eco-parks/tourist destinations for promoting tourism is one of the focus areas of S&JT Division of Ministry of Coal and coal companies. Under the vision document of the Ministry of Coal, 10 new eco-parks/tourism sites were envisaged to be developed between FY 2019-20 and FY 2023-24. However, till March, 2024, construction of 16 new eco-parks/tourist destinations has been completed. In addition, for the next 5 years, FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29, coal/lignite PSUs have set a target of constructing 34 new eco-parks/mine tourism sites
Inauguration of Mudwani Dam Eco-Park
