On July 25, 2024, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, launched the Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Dhanbad. This initiative, part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, was simultaneously conducted across 300 locations in 47 districts within 11 coal/lignite-bearing states.
Event Highlights
Launch and Participation
The event was inaugurated by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, with notable attendees including Dhanbad MP Shri Dulu Mahato, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal Shri Amrit Lal Meena, and Chairman of Coal India Limited among other senior officials.
Plantation Achievements
On the day of VA 2024, around 1 million saplings were planted by Coal/Lignite PSUs. Over the past five years, these PSUs have planted 24 million saplings over 10,942 hectares in coalfield regions.
Future Goals
Green Cover Expansion
The PSUs aim to cover 15,350 hectares with green cover in the next five years, including a target of 2,600 hectares for the current fiscal year.
Innovative Techniques
They are employing the Miyawaki method, seed balls, and drone technology to optimize reforestation efforts and resource use.
Environmental Impact
Sustainability Commitment
The Vriksharopan Abhiyan 2024 is a significant step towards the coal industry’s environmental goals, contributing to climate change mitigation, carbon footprint reduction, and ecological restoration.
Long-Term Vision
This initiative supports India’s net-zero target for 2070 by enhancing carbon sinks and promoting biodiversity, thereby aligning economic growth with ecological preservation.