Singareni Collieries joins hands with Heartfulness to restore natural systems
HYDERABAD, July 3 (The CONNECT)- Coal India Ltd., The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) joined hands with Heartfulness today by signing two MoUs respectively to foster restoration, bringing a green cover and develop an ecosystem at the mine closure sites.
Kishan Reddy – Union Minister of Coal and Mines, was present at the MoU signing event at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness, in the outskirts of Hyderabad.
Satish Chandra Dubey – Minister of State of Coal and Mines, senior management and representatives of Coal India Ltd., SCCL and Heartfulness also attended. The purpose of the MoUs is to foster restoration, bringing a green cover and develop an ecosystem at the mine closure sites through Heartfulness Institute resources in alignment with the RECLAIM -Reach-out, Envision, Co-design, Localise, Act, Integrate, Maintain. Intended at community engagement and development framework for mine closure and repurposing, it builds on field experience and global good practices including guidance from ICMM (2022), the Sustainable Development Goals, and IFC Performance Standards.
Heartfulness Institute will provide the necessary technology and resources in creating a viable green cover over the closed mines, controlling and sequestering hazardous gases, replenish the soil layers and creating a sustainable ecosystem at the mine closure sites. The framework will generate the livelihoods of those around the closed mining sites or those who depending on mining for livelihoods.
The MoUs will ensure that the regions that once shaped by extraction become spaces for renewal, dignity and opportunity. Since mine closures significantly impact both landscapes, there is a need to restore natural systems. An equal need to strengthen local institutions and enabling sustainable livelihoods is felt.
The RECLAIM framework is a key step toward as a structured guide for inclusive community engagement and development throughout the mine closure and post-closure phases. It offers a practical, step-by-step approach to institutionalizing community participation in the transition process.
Reddy pointed out that the Centre mandates mine closures in the most scientific and sustainable way and replenish the mining sites with economic and environmental value across the country. Heartfulness’s meticulousness in creating a sustainable ecosystem is evident at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the Heartfulness headquarters, he said.
“It is an opportune moment for Heartfulness to give life to the closed mining sites. Since the extraction depletes the site of nature’s bounty, we should feel the responsibility in giving back in the best of our ability not only in terms of creating a viable ecosystem but also help create sustainable livelihoods in such regions across the country,” said Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.
The framework is supported by a suite of actionable tools, templates, and field-tested methodologies tailored to the Indian context. Special emphasis is placed on gender inclusivity, the representation of vulnerable groups, and alignment with Panchayati Raj Institutions, ensuring that the transition is equitable and locally relevant.
