Coal and Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) across India marked World Environment Day 2025 with widespread activities emphasizing ecological sustainability under the theme “One Nation, One Mission: End Plastic Pollution.” Organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, the celebrations included mass plantation drives, awareness campaigns, plastic waste collection, eco-rallies, and community outreach at nearly 350 locations across 47 districts in 11 states. The event also featured the emotional campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which honored Mother Earth through tree planting in a symbolic gesture of gratitude and ecological commitment.
This year’s observance highlighted the dual objectives of enhancing climate resilience through extensive tree plantation and reducing plastic pollution to protect the environment. The coal sector has made significant strides in afforestation, planting over 29 million saplings across 13,400 hectares in and around mining areas over the past six years, transforming barren lands into lush green ecosystems. Using innovative techniques such as the Miyawaki method, seed ball broadcasting, and drone-assisted afforestation, PSUs aim to accelerate green cover expansion, with a target of 16,000 hectares over the next five years, including 2,800 hectares planned for FY 2025-26.
The Ministry of Coal’s initiatives align with India’s broader Net-Zero 2070 goal by creating natural carbon sinks, improving air and water quality, and restoring ecological balance in mining regions. The celebration underscores a transformative shift in the coal sector from merely extracting resources to actively contributing to sustainable development. Efforts to eliminate single-use plastics, promote eco-friendly practices, and foster biodiversity are integral to this vision, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to climate change mitigation and community well-being. As these initiatives progress, the coal sector exemplifies how economic growth can be harmonized with ecological restoration, forging a sustainable legacy for future generations.
