Ministry for quick green light in underground coal mining

Underground coal mining currently accounts for around 5% of overall mining in the country

- Rituraj Baruah

The coal ministry is seeking easier and faster environmental clearance for underground coal mines, said two people aware of the development, pushing the fossil fuel even as India transitions to renewable sources of energy.

One of the people said the ministry will push for fewer compliance requirements for underground coal mine approvals on the grounds that these mines have a lower environmental impact than opencast mines.

To be sure, coal—whether extracted underground or from opencast mines —is a major global pollutant contributing to climate change. Further, the move comes amid a national transition to green energy.

However, underground mining is considered to have less impact on the immediate environment, without the need for large-scale human displacement and deforestation.