New Delhi: A parliamentary standing committee has called for a separate and standardised environmental clearance process for underground (UG) coal mining projects, flagging that such projects continue to face delays as they are subjected to the same approval norms as large open-cast mines despite having significantly lower environmental impact.
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The committee noted that underground mines, underground coal gasification (UCG) projects and clean coal technology-based pilot projects constitute special categories of coal sector initiatives with distinct environmental and operational advantages. It observed that underground coal mining “minimises surface disturbance, thereby preserving land, forests, and infrastructure while reducing land reclamation costs and indirect greenhouse gas emissions.”
Highlighting the operational benefits of underground mining, the panel said the method allows access to “high-quality, deep-seated reserves” and enables “year-round operations regardless of weather conditions”. Despite these advantages, the committee expressed concern that UG projects are required to undergo clearance and documentation processes similar to those applicable to large open-cast coal mines.
“However, the Committee note that despite low environmental impact, several UG projects undergo the same clearance and documentation processes as in the case for large open-cast coal mines, thereby reportedly facing delays,” the report stated.
The committee emphasised the need for “policy simplification and standardized protocols for UG coal mining practices in India”, and recommended placing standard terms of reference and standard operating procedures on the single-window clearance system.
“The Committee also desire to explore the feasibility of placing standard ToRs, SOPs on the single window clearance system for open cast mining in line with UG mines,” it said, making this Recommendation No. 18 in its report.
The panel also examined the regulatory framework governing underground coal gasification, describing UCG as “another emerging clean coal technology, that promotes cleaner fuel alternatives and supports India’s transition towards sustainable energy.”
While noting that UCG has the potential to enhance India’s energy security, the committee observed that the technology is currently operating in pilot mode. To accelerate deployment of such projects, it suggested a more integrated and coordinated appraisal mechanism.
“In order to accelerate deployment of innovative technologies such as UCG pilot projects, R&D initiatives and clean coal technology demonstration with significantly lower environmental footprint and risk profile, the Ministry of Coal may explore the feasibility of establishing a Joint Sub Committee along with MoEF&CC and Directorate General of Mines Safety to vet such projects through a single appraisal process,” the report said.
The committee further recommended framing integrated guidelines for emerging coal technologies, clearly defining approval pathways and safeguards based on their carbon impact. “Integrated guidelines on emerging coal technologies may also be framed defining the clearance route and environmental safeguards in accordance with the carbon impact they tend to make,” it said.
Stressing the need for regulatory clarity, the panel added that “a dedicated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for UCG could help streamline approvals by defining site-specific study requirements, risk assessment protocols, and compliance monitoring mechanisms”.
The committee also sought clarity on whether such projects could be placed under a lighter regulatory category. “The Committee would also like to be apprised of the deliberation in the EAC (Industry-II) Committee meeting on the feasibility of classifying such projects under B2 category containing projects having minimal environmental impact,” it said.
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The recommendations come amid growing policy focus on cleaner coal technologies and more efficient resource extraction, even as India balances energy security considerations with environmental safeguards.
