In Chhattisgarh, India, a remarkable transformation is underway: a former coal mine is now a thriving eco-tourism destination. This initiative offers sustainable livelihoods and empowers local communities, especially women, demonstrating India’s commitment to regenerating exhausted mines.

A Legacy of Coal, A Future of Tourism

Pannelal Rajak, a 78-year-old former landowner, now works as a security guard at the repurposed Bishrampur open-cast coal mine. Decades ago, he relinquished his land for the mine, hoping for employment, but a disability prevented this. Today, he safeguards a boating lake and floating restaurant built after the coal reserves were depleted.

Rajak finds fulfillment in his current role, earning a living at the site that once offered promise but delivered disappointment. He often interacts with the women managing Kenapara Eco Park, a symbol of India’s efforts to revitalize exhausted mines through tourism.

From Pits to Parks

The Bishrampur site, located in Chhattisgarh state, serves as a model for mine regeneration. Between 1961 and 2018, the 1,472-hectare area yielded over 38.7 million tons of coal. As mining ceased, the resulting pits filled with water, creating a deep lake.

With funding from South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. (SECL), the district administration transformed the site into a tourist hub, complete with rafts, a park, and cottages. A pisciculture project supports local fish vendors and supplies fish to local markets.

Addressing Environmental Concerns & Empowering Women

The legacy of coal extraction includes fly ash and overburden, previously contributing to dust pollution. Rehabilitation efforts now utilize soil bags for saplings, aiming to repurpose the land. The site, open to tourists since 2018, is managed by a women’s community group and a fishery cooperative, attracting up to 150 visitors on weekends.

For the women involved, the benefits extend beyond income. Anjani Singh, a boat operator, highlights the boost in confidence and independence. Pooja Sahu, the group’s leader, emphasizes their desire for recognition, while Savita Gupta, who runs the floating restaurant, hopes to inspire her daughter.

Sustainable Energy & Ongoing Challenges

Near the lake, a 40-hectare solar park generating 12 megawatts provides employment to locals, including technician Pawan Kumar. SECL invested approximately 43 million rupees in the project, according to government data.

Despite the success, challenges remain. The women pay rent for the boats and cover most maintenance costs, expressing concerns about SECL’s limited publicity and support. SECL officials recently visited the site for the first time in five years. Ashish Clarence, an SECL official, stated the park is featured in company brochures and that site improvements are being considered.

Rajak continues his night shift, reflecting on the changes and the uncertain future of the reborn mine site. The transformation of Bishrampur mine exemplifies a move towards sustainable development and community empowerment, offering a positive model for other closed mines and a brighter future for the region.