Coal India Signs MoU with NRSC and ISRO

The system will perform real time environmental tracking of mine closure protocols, active land reclamation and the expansion of green cover and afforestation. It will provide digital surveillance to detect and prevent unauthorised mining beyond legal leasehold boundaries to strengthen regulatory compliance. Social infrastructure mapping and verification of rehabilitation and resettlement colonies and project affected areas will also be a core function.

The solution integrates advanced data science tools directly into ISRO's Bhuvan Analytical Dashboard, combining Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning and predictive analytics to automate change detection and complex geospatial analysis across active coalfields. CMPDI supplied the high resolution boundary inputs that will feed automated workflows and analytics engines. The platform is designed to produce actionable geospatial intelligence and automated alerts for field teams.

A principal focus of the partnership is the long standing subsurface fires in the Jharia Coalfield in Jharkhand, where predictive modelling on multi spectral satellite data will be used to detect active coal fires and simulate underground fire propagation paths. That capability aims to provide precise geospatial analysis to guide targeted containment measures before fires spread to new coal seams or civil structures. The approach seeks to improve safety and reduce environmental harm in affected districts.

Coal India, NRSC and ISRO expect the initiative to enhance regulatory oversight, environmental restoration and safety planning across active coalfields, while supporting rehabilitation efforts and local agency implementation. The partners will share geospatial outputs with state and field agencies to assist in enforcement and remediation programmes. The collaboration forms part of broader efforts to modernise surveillance and disaster preparedness in the mining sector.