Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is spearheading an innovative initiative by converting disused mine pits into productive fish farms. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, these projects not only exemplify sustainable industrial practices but also promote biodiversity, boost fish production, and uplift rural communities by providing new sources of income.
The company’s pisciculture efforts utilize water-filled pits left from mining operations, turning them into thriving aquaculture sites. This approach addresses environmental challenges while simultaneously enhancing the local economy. By engaging local residents in fish farming, CCL offers new livelihood opportunities, significantly contributing to the region’s socio-economic development. Several key projects reflect the success of this model.
The Religara project in the Argada Area of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, covers 9.71 hectares and operates with 20 fish cages, generating an annual yield of 9.6 tonnes. The initiative directly supports around 100 residents from the nearby villages of Religara and Baskudra, with additional assistance from the district administration. In the same region, the Gidi A project spans 28 hectares, housing 22 cages and producing 0.72 tonnes in its initial year. This project benefits communities in Tehratand, Kendiyatola, and Gidi Basti. Further beautification efforts, backed by ₹45 lakh, are planned, and a proposal to designate the site as a Ramsar Wetland underscores its environmental significance.
Another noteworthy initiative, the Bokaro OCP project, spans 4.22 hectares and utilizes 27 cages to produce 81 tonnes of fish annually. It supports 30 families by farming species such as Pangasius, Rohu, Tilapia, and Katla, contributing to local fish supplies and providing steady income for those involved. Similarly, the Central Saunda project, established in the Barkasayal Area in November 2023, has installed 40 cages for Tilapia farming. The venture aims to benefit approximately 250 villagers, further strengthening the local economy through sustainable aquaculture.
The Karkatta projects in the NK Area play a pivotal role in regional aquaculture. Karkatta A covers 1.8 hectares with 15 fish cages, generating 200 tonnes of fish annually, while Karkatta C, spanning 4.5 hectares, operates 50 cages with an impressive annual yield of 800 tonnes. Together, these projects offer significant production outputs and provide crucial economic support for nearby communities.
CCL’s fish farming initiatives represent a groundbreaking model for sustainable resource management within the coal sector. By revitalizing abandoned mine pits, these projects not only generate livelihoods for rural populations but also promote environmentally responsible practices. With several projects scheduled for completion by 2025, CCL is setting a new standard in balancing economic empowerment and biodiversity conservation, demonstrating that industrial innovation and community welfare can thrive hand in hand.