In an era when environmental sustainability has become central to industrial development, NLC India Ltd demonstrating how responsible mining can coexist with ecological restoration. The Navratna public sector enterprise under the ministry of coal has emerged as a model for sustainable mining practices through large-scale land reclamation, eco-restoration and community-oriented environmental initiatives across its lignite mining projects.
Operating primarily in Neyveli in Tamil Nadu and Barsingsar in Rajasthan, the company has undertaken systematic efforts to transform mined landscapes into green ecosystems, eco-tourism destinations and productive agricultural land. These initiatives align with the broader environmental sustainability goals of the central government.
Restoring Mined Landscapes
NLC India’s mine reclamation programme represents one of the largest such initiatives in the country. As of February 28, 2026, the company has reported a total mined-out area of 6,571 hectares. Of this, 3,236 hectares have been physically reclaimed and 2,866 hectares biologically restored through vegetation and ecological development.
The company has planted nearly 33.95 lakh saplings across mine areas, gradually converting overburden dumps and backfilled land into green zones. These reclaimed landscapes now host gardens, orchards, water bodies and cultivation fields, showcasing how degraded mining areas can be rehabilitated into thriving ecological habitats.
From Mines To Eco-Tourism Parks
One of the most visible outcomes of these reclamation efforts is the transformation of former mine areas in Neyveli into eco-tourism destinations.The Mine-I Eco Tourism Park and Mine-II Eco Tourism Park feature artificial lakes formed from mine refill areas, landscaped gardens, boating facilities, nurseries, orchards and bird-watching zones. These restored ecosystems have attracted significant biodiversity, with around 107 species of migratory birds now inhabiting the area. Species such as the Asian Koel, Black-headed Munia and Asian Paradise Flycatcher have been spotted in these reclaimed habitats.
To further promote eco-tourism, NLC India signed a partnership agreement with the Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation. The eco-tourism facility was opened to the public on weekends and holidays in October 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience reclaimed mining landscapes.
Greening The Desert: Maru Udyan In Rajasthan
The company has also undertaken ecological restoration at its Barsingsar lignite project in Bikaner district of Rajasthan. The Maru Udyan Desert Eco Park stands as a striking example of environmental rehabilitation in an arid region. Developed on reclaimed mine land, the park includes botanical gardens, flower galleries, children’s recreational spaces, rainwater harvesting structures and eco-friendly huts for workers. Spread across nearly two hectares, the park features 21 species of trees including Khejri, Neem, Amaltas and Shisham, contributing to the greening of the desert landscape.
Turning Mine Water Into A Lifeline
NLC India has also implemented an extensive mine water utilisation system in Neyveli, where open-cast mining areas receive around 1,200 mm of rainfall annually. The company has built 88 water harvesting structures covering more than 191 hectares. Through this network, about 550 lakh litres of treated mine water are supplied daily to 40 nearby villages for domestic use and irrigation. Additionally, in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, the company provides 425.10 lakh litres of water per day to support nearly 7.9 lakh residents across six town panchayats and 625 villages in Cuddalore district.
Wealth From Waste And Sustainable Agriculture
Innovation also plays a key role in NLC India’s sustainability strategy. In collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, the company has developed technology to convert mine overburden into construction-grade M-Sand. Two beneficiation plants commissioned in 2024 and 2026 now produce construction sand from waste mining material.
Meanwhile, reclaimed lands are being used for advanced agricultural experiments. Hydroponic cultivation projects in collaboration with Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru and the adoption of Israeli drip irrigation technology are helping transform barren overburden dumps into productive farmland.
Building A Model For Sustainable Mining
From eco-parks and biodiversity habitats to water supply systems and waste-to-wealth innovations, NLC India’s initiatives highlight how industrial activity can support environmental regeneration. By integrating mine reclamation, ecological restoration and community development, the company is setting a benchmark for sustainable mining in India—demonstrating that with the right approach, even mined landscapes can be reborn as green, productive ecosystems.