Coal India, Singareni and Heartfulness enter MoU for restoration of closed mines in Telangana.

Coal India Limited, The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and Heartfulness have entered a landmark MoU’s towards responsible restoration of closed mines and sustainable livelihoods on 03^rd. July, 2025. This is a landmark collaboration dedicated to sustainability and environmental transformation through innovative practices.

Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy have graced the two MoU’s signing event held at Kanha Shanti Vanam – the headquarters of Heartfulness, in the outskirts of Hyderabad. The main aim of the MoU’s is to foster restoration, bringing a green cover and develop an ecosystem at the mine closure sites through Heartfulness Institute resources in alignment with the RECLAIM initiative.

The RECLAIM initiative which is an acronym for — Reach-out; Envision; Co-design; Localise Act; Integrate and Maintain is intended at Community Engagement and Development Framework for Mine Closure and Repurposing. It builds on field experience and global good practices including guidance from ICMM (2022), the Sustainable Development Goals, and IFC Performance Standards.

Under the agreement, Heartfulness Institute will provide the necessary technology and resources in creating a viable green cover over the closed mines, controlling and sequestering hazardous gases, replenish the soil layers and creating a sustainable ecosystem at the mine closure sites. The framework will generate the livelihoods of those around the closed mining sites or those who depending on mining for livelihoods. The MoU’s will ensure that the regions that once shaped by extraction become spaces for renewal, dignity and opportunity.

The RECLAIM framework is a key step toward as a structured guide for inclusive community engagement and development throughout the mine closure and post-closure phases. It offers a practical, step-by-step approach to institutionalizing community participation in the transition process.

Speaking on the occasion, Kishan Reddy said, “We are committed to restoring the closed mine sites as it is time for us to give back to nature. The Government mandates mine closures in the most scientific and sustainable way and replenish the mining sites with economic and environmental value across the country. Heartfulness’s meticulousness in creating a sustainable ecosystem is evident at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the Heartfulness headquarters. By joining hands with them, we will do all we can do for restoration, repurposing, long-term socio-economic growth by generating livelihoods”.

Revered Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “It is an opportune moment for Heartfulness to give life to the closed mining sites. Since the extraction depletes the site of nature’s bounty, we should feel the responsibility in giving back in the best of our ability not only in terms of creating a viable ecosystem but also help create sustainable livelihoods in such regions across the country”.

The framework is supported by a suite of actionable tools, templates, and field-tested methodologies tailored to the Indian context. Special emphasis is placed on gender inclusivity, the representation of vulnerable groups, and alignment with Panchayati Raj Institutions, ensuring that the transition is equitable and locally relevant, he added.

Minister of state for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, Senior Management and Representatives from Coal India Ltd., SCCL and Heartfulness were also present.

Team Maverick