The Ministry of Coal and its associated public sector companies have thrown full effort into the latest phase of a nationwide drive running through October 2025. This push focuses on tidying up workspaces, streamlining operations, and pushing green habits across every corner of the coal industry. What started as planned activities in the lead-up months has now delivered results that beat every goal set earlier.
From the start of the month until the end, teams across the ministry cleared more ground than expected. They brought in over 42 crore rupees by selling off unused items and closed more than 86,000 old files. These numbers show how serious the sector is about cutting waste and making better use of resources.
Key Numbers That Tell the Story
A quick look at the achievements makes the scale clear. Workers identified 1,439 spots for cleaning but ended up covering 1,552 locations, which is 108 percent of the plan. They freed up over 91 lakh square feet of space against a target of 82 lakh square feet. Scrap removal hit 10,440 metric tons, well above the 8,678 tons aimed for.
Other areas saw full completion too. All two inter-ministerial references got resolved, along with 166 public complaints and 61 matters flagged by the Prime Minister’s Office. File reviews went into overdrive with physical files checked reaching 1,87,286 against 1,23,830 planned, and electronic files reviewed at 37,812 compared to 32,182.
| Parameter | Target | Achievement | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleanliness sites | 1439 | 1552 | 108 |
| Area cleared (sq ft) | 8251511 | 9158274 | 111 |
| Scrap disposed (MT) | 8678 | 10440 | 120 |
| IMC references | 2 | 2 | 100 |
| Public grievances | 166 | 166 | 100 |
| PMO references | 61 | 61 | 100 |
| Physical files reviewed | 123830 | 187286 | 151 |
| e-Files reviewed | 32182 | 37812 | 116 |
Creative Ideas Turning Waste into Value
Beyond the numbers, the real highlight comes from smart projects that give old materials new purpose. These efforts not only clean up sites but also inspire everyone involved to think differently about rubbish.
At one location in the Bankola region under Eastern Coalfields Limited, a new facility processes single-use plastic into sturdy slippers for mine workers. These replace wooden ones traditionally used to support roofs underground. The switch helps cut down tree felling while keeping plastic out of landfills and creating a safer, plastic-free zone around Ukhras nearby areas.
In another part of Bharat Coking Coal Limited at Kusunda, teams took discarded drums and worn-out tyres to build comfortable sofa sets and centre tables. This simple reuse follows the reduce, reuse, recycle principle and adds functional furniture to common areas without buying new items.
Scrap Metal Becomes Spiritual Landmarks
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited took things further by using mechanical parts like loader components, conveyor sections, pump pieces, and drill leftovers to sculpt detailed models of India’s four famous pilgrimage sites. Visitors can now see replicas of Badrinath, Jagannath, Ramanathaswamy, and Dwarkadhish temples at the Eco Park in Orient Area. The project brings together skill, teamwork, and a strong message on sustainable practices.
Tech for Cleaner Mining Sites
To tackle dust in the Rajmahal region of Eastern Coalfields, new equipment includes a truck-mounted fog cannon and a vacuum-based mechanical sweeper for roads. Both machines help control air pollution and maintain smoother, greener operations around mines.
Northern Coalfields Limited rolled out bio-toilets across multiple sites to improve hygiene and handle waste in an environment-friendly way. These units break down waste naturally, reducing the need for traditional sewage systems.
At Nigahi mines in the same company, artists shaped iron scraps into a striking sculpture featuring the company mascot Angara. It stands as a bold symbol of turning waste into wealth and sparks ideas for more such creations.
Support for Working Families
Western Coalfields Limited opened two new childcare centres at Majri office and Ekona sub-area. The spaces offer safe play and care for children of staff members, making it easier for parents to focus on work while knowing their kids are in good hands.
All these steps under the special campaign 5.0 coal ministry banner prove that small changes add up to big impacts. From earning extra revenue to building useful items from junk, the coal sector sets an example for others. As the drive wraps up, the momentum will likely carry forward into regular practices, keeping sites cleaner and operations sharper.
The success also highlights how government bodies and public companies can lead in sustainability without compromising on core work. With targets smashed and fresh ideas in play, the future looks orderly and inventive for India’s coal landscape.