New Delhi: India’s Decade of Global Leadership in Environment protection In 2021, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the world at COP26 in Glasgow, committing India to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Many viewed it as an ambitious, perhaps distant, aspiration. Yet, within a few years, India not only surpassed the targets set under its first Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted in 2015, but also adopted enhanced NDCs in 2022, well ahead of expectations. Today, India stands among the world’s top-performing nations in progressing toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
India’s climate commitment is a way of life. When the Prime Minister introduced the world to Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), he envisioned a movement where every citizen plays a role through mindful consumption and sustainable practices. This holistic approach isn’t limited to individual action; it extends to every sector, including the coal and mining industries.
Over the past decade, India’s energy landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation. The share of coal in the installed energy capacity has declined from about 60% in 2014–15 to just 47% in 2024–25. At the same time, renewable energy capacity has soared, growing from just 20% to an impressive 82%, reflecting a decisive shift toward clean energy.
This transition has been powered by the Coal and Mines Ministry’s sustained efforts to give back to the Earth in multiple impactful ways:
● Cleaner Operations: Eco-friendly mining: The push for coal gasification reflects a cleaner future for fossil-based energy. Innovations such as highwall mining and First Mile Connectivity are reducing emissions and modernizing logistics. Mine water conservation and smarter logistics systems further reflect the sector’s commitment to sustainability.
● Reclaiming Land: Over 2,459 hectares of mined land turned into eco-parks and forests in FY 2024-25 by the coal ministry—planting over 54 lakh saplings.
● Solar Push: The Coal Ministry targets 3 GW of solar capacity by FY 2025–26 and 9 GW by 2030 primarily for captive consumption.
● Energy Transition: Even as coal production crosses 1 billion tonnes, India’s energy mix continues to emphasize renewable energy.
● Energy Security: Under National Critical Mineral Mission, India will build a resilient value chain for critical minerals for Green Technologies, with an outlay of Rs.16,300 crore. India’s journey shows the world that climate action and economic growth can go hand in hand with vision, resolve, and responsibility.
