Explanation:

• The Coal Ministry will establish ‘Sustainable Development Cell’ (SDC) for promoting sustainable coal mining in the country.
• It will address environmental concerns during the decommissioning or closure of mines.
• The Cell will advise, mentor, plan and monitor the mitigation measures taken by the coal companies for maximizing the utilization of available resources in a sustainable way, minimizing the adverse impact of mining and mitigating it for further eco-system services.
• Sustainable Development Cell will also formulate the future policy framework for the environmental mitigation measures including the Mine closure Fund.
• The Sustainable Development Cell envisages to address the environmental mitigation measures in a systemic manner and to provide a better environment to people working and residing in the vicinity of Mines.
• Shri Pralhad Joshi is the Union Cabinet Minister for Coal and Mines.