NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has achieved significant milestones in sustainable mining and environmental restoration through systematic mine reclamation and ecological development initiatives across its lignite mining projects.
With a focus on responsible mining and environmental sustainability, the company has undertaken large-scale physical and biological reclamation of mined-out areas. Overburden dumps and backfilled land have been gradually transformed into green landscapes, eco-parks, water bodies and productive agricultural zones, demonstrating how mined landscapes can be restored for ecological and community benefit.
Large-Scale Mine Reclamation
NLCIL’s reclamation efforts have resulted in significant restoration of mined land. As on 28 February 2026, the company reported a total mined-out area of 6,571 hectares, of which 3,236 hectares have been physically reclaimed and 2,866 hectares biologically reclaimed. Plantation activities have also been extensive, with 33.95 lakh saplings planted in mine areas.
Mine Areas Transformed into Eco-Tourism Destinations
Reclaimed mine areas at Neyveli have been transformed into eco-tourism destinations. The Mine-I Eco Tourism Park was inaugurated on 23 July 2020 during the Vriksharopan Abhiyan by the then Union Home Minister. Subsequently, the Mine-II Eco Tourism Park was inaugurated on 19 August 2021 by the then Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs.
These eco-tourism parks feature eco-friendly boating facilities in artificial lakes created in mine refill areas, landscaped gardens and orchards, bird-watching areas, deer enclosures, nurseries and mist chambers. Cultivation fields have also been developed on reclaimed overburden land.
The reclaimed mined-out lands of NLCIL, including Mine-I and Mine-II, have gradually evolved into thriving ecological habitats, attracting a diverse range of wildlife. These restored landscapes now host around 107 species of migratory birds, reflecting the ecological potential of reclaimed mining areas. Among the species observed are the Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea), Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), Asian Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis), and Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica).
To further promote eco-tourism, NLCIL signed an MoU with the Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation on 5 October 2022. The Mine Eco-Tourism facility was subsequently opened to the public on weekends and holidays on 2 October 2025.
