FCC

Coal India, SCCL, and Heartfulness Join Forces for Responsible Mine Restoration

2025-07-04

Coal India, Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL), and Heartfulness have entered into a transformative partnership through the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), as announced by the Ministry of Coal and Mines (Government of India). The MoUs were officially signed at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Heartfulness headquarters, in the outskirts of Hyderabad. The event was graced by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, and Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, along with senior officials from all the parties involved.

The primary goal of these MoUs is to facilitate the restoration of closed mine sites, creating green cover and fostering sustainable ecosystems. This initiative is in alignment with the RECLAIM program—an acronym for Reach-out, Envision, Co-design, Localise, Act, Integrate, and Maintain—which focuses on community engagement and development during the mine closure and repurposing processes. The RECLAIM framework draws from global best practices, including guidance from ICMM (2022) and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Under this collaboration, Heartfulness Institute will play a key role by providing the technology and expertise required to regenerate the ecosystem at closed mine sites. This includes controlling hazardous gases, replenishing soil layers, and establishing a viable green cover to restore the local environment. The initiative also aims to improve livelihoods for communities dependent on mining activities, ensuring that they have sustainable means of income post-mine closure.

The MoUs signal a new chapter in transforming former mining areas into spaces of renewal, dignity, and opportunity. Recognising the environmental and socio-economic impacts of mine closures, the RECLAIM framework provides a structured guide for inclusive community participation and development.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy commented, "We are committed to scientifically restoring closed mines, ensuring they provide both economic and environmental value. Heartfulness’s success in creating a sustainable ecosystem is evident at their headquarters. By partnering with them, we aim to drive long-term growth and socio-economic stability in these regions."

Rev. Daaji, Guide of Heartfulness, added, "This partnership represents an opportunity to replenish what was taken from the land, not just by regenerating ecosystems but also by creating sustainable livelihoods in these mining regions across the country."

The RECLAIM framework also supports actionable tools, templates, and methodologies tailored to India's specific needs, placing a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity, the representation of vulnerable groups, and alignment with local governance systems such as Panchayati Raj Institutions.