Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Doomdooma: In a significant step towards sustainable post-mining development, officials of the Union Coal Ministry, Coal India Limited, and the district administration on Friday discussed an ambitious roadmap.
The plan aims to transform the soon-to-be-closed Ledo Open Cast Project in Margherita, Assam’s Tinsukia district, into an environmentally sustainable and community-oriented zone.
The high-level meeting, chaired by Rahul Doley at the office of the Co-District Commissioner in Margherita, focused on the innovative repurposing of the mining area under North Eastern Coalfields (NEC).
Senior officials, including Birendra Kumar Thakur and NEC General Manager K. Mere, attended the deliberations.
Among the key proposals discussed were the establishment of a solar power park on reclaimed mining land, plantation of fruit-bearing and indigenous species such as Kazi Nemu and star fruit, and conservation of mine water bodies for community use after treatment.
Officials also proposed converting abandoned mining infrastructure into Self-Help Group centres, training institutes, and public utility spaces instead of demolishing them.
A proposal to convert the old mine chimney into a clock tower and tourism landmark also drew attention during the meeting.
The administration and NEC agreed to jointly utilise District Mineral Foundation and Final Mine Closure Plan funds to develop the area into a sustainable post-mining model benefiting local communities.