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Mines Reborn: Coal Pits Turn to Tourist Lakes
17 Mar
Summary
- Exhausted coal mines are being transformed into tourist attractions.
- Women's groups and cooperatives manage repurposed mining sites.
- Revival projects create sustainable livelihoods beyond coal extraction.
India is actively regenerating hundreds of its exhausted coal mines, aiming to create sustainable livelihoods, primarily through tourism. The Bishrampur mine, spanning 1,472 hectares, yielded over 38.7 million tons of coal between 1961 and 2018. When the coal ran out, some pits filled with water, forming deep lakes.
The district administration, with funding from South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL), transformed Bishrampur into a tourist hub featuring rafts, a park, and cottages. Managed by a women's community group and a fishery cooperative since 2018, the site draws up to 150 visitors on weekends.
This initiative has brought significant empowerment to local women, moving them from domestic roles to active participation in managing businesses like boat operations and a floating restaurant. These women report increased confidence and recognition within their communities.
Beyond tourism, a 40-hectare solar park generates 12 megawatts of power, employing local residents. SECL has invested approximately 43 million rupees in these regeneration projects, which also include restoring land through tree plantation. However, challenges remain, including insufficient publicity and maintenance issues, requiring continued support from SECL.
