September 2026, Kolkata, In a significant move towards promoting sustainable post-mining land and water-use practices, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI), Barrackpore, and Coal India Limited (CIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the scientific utilisation of suitable abandoned, water-filled coal mine pits for sustainable pisciculture. The strategic partnership brings together the institutional strengths of ICAR-CIFRI in inland fisheries research and technology and Coal India Limited in mine management and community development, with a shared objective of converting suitable abandoned mine voids into productive fisheries resources.
Under the MoU, the two organisations will collaborate in scientific fish farming, particularly caged fish culture, fisheries research, capacity building, education and extension, with special emphasis on the productive utilisation of sparable abandoned mine voids of CIL and its subsidiary companies.
From Abandoned Mine Voids to Productive Community Assets
The initiative represents an innovative approach to post-mining resource utilisation, wherein suitable water-filled mine pits can potentially be transformed into sustainable fisheries production systems. Scientifically designed and monitored pisciculture interventions are expected to contribute to fish production, nutritional security, local market development and livelihood generation.
A key feature of the partnership will be the active involvement of local communities and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). ICAR-CIFRI will provide technical expertise, training and capacity-building support to develop local skills in cage fish farming and associated fisheries activities, thereby creating opportunities for sustainable income generation.
The initiative is also aligned with CIL's commitment towards Mission GREEN, Just Transition, sustainable mine closure and community welfare, providing a practical pathway for integrating environmental restoration with economic and social development.
Science-Driven and Environmentally Responsible Approach
ICAR-CIFRI will provide technical guidance for implementing caged fish farming in identified mine pits and undertake assessment of toxicity and contaminants, ecological balance, fish productivity and environmental suitability before and during project implementation.
Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries will identify suitable sparable abandoned mine pits, facilitate local logistics and provide funding for approved projects on a project-to-project basis. The projects will be implemented through mutually agreed Terms of Reference (TOR) and periodically reviewed by a Project Monitoring Committee to ensure scientific rigour, environmental safeguards and measurable outcomes.
Reflection on MoU
Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-CIFRI, Barrackpore, highlighted that the partnership with Coal India Limited represents an important step towards transforming suitable mine voids into productive fisheries resources, thereby creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and contributing to food security and local economic development. He emphasized the need for an integrated approach based on scientific assessment of mine voids, ecological safeguards, sustainable fisheries management and active participation of local communities and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He further stressed that capacity building and community ownership would be essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative. Dr. Dey noted that the partnership embodies the principles of Just Transition by converting post-mining environmental challenges into productive assets, generating inclusive livelihoods, restoring ecological functions and supporting sustainable development in mining-affected communities.
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