Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Coal released ‘AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure’ at the Oberoi, New Delhi.

• AAROH (Annual Report on Mine Closure) – It is India’s first comprehensive report that documents scientific practices for mine closure and repurposing.

• Prepared by – Coal Controller Organisation, Ministry of Coal.

• Objective – To showcase India’s transition towards

  • Scientific mine closure,

  • Ecological restoration,

  • Sustainable post‑mining land use,

  • And community‑oriented development.

• Key Features

• It provides documentation for 42 scientifically closed coal mines.

• The report includes the following components:

  • Descriptions of mine closure initiatives

  • Visual documentation illustrating conditions before and after mine closure

  • Documentary videos accessible via QR codes

  • Analysis of post-mining land-use outcomes

• It serves as a national knowledge repository for future mine closure projects.

• It highlights the Ministry's flagship initiatives:

  • RECLAIM Framework – A structured reclamation process.

  • L.I.V.E.S. Framework – It emphasises stakeholder participation and sustainability.

  • SUVIKALP Tool – A digital platform for mine repurposing.

  • SUVIKALP Samvaad – It facilitates dialogue and knowledge exchange.

  • Mine Closure Guidelines, 2025 – It adopts a people-centric and sustainability-focused approach.

Reference

PIB | AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure