Coal India converts 30 mined-out areas into eco-tourism destinations

Thirty such eco-parks are already attracting steady footfalls and plans are afoot for the creation of more eco-parks and eco-restoration sites in CIL’s mining areas.

These eco-parks and tourism sites are also proving to be a source of livelihood for the local populace.

Some of the popular destinations that provide further fillip to coal mine tourism include Gunjanpark, ECL, Gokul eco-cultural park, BCCL, Kenapara eco-tourism site and AnanyaVatika, SECL, Krishnashila eco restoration site and Mudwani eco-parks, NCL, Ananta medicinal garden, MCL, BalGangadhar Tilak eco park, WCL and Chandra Sekhar Azad eco park, CCL.

“No one could have predicted that an abandoned mined-out land could be transformed into a buzzing tourism destination. We are enjoying boating, the beautiful waterbody with the adjoining greenery and having lunch on a floating restaurant,” said a visitor at Kenapara eco-tourism site developed by SECL in Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh. "Kenapara has promising tourism potential and is also a good source of income for the tribal people,” the visitor added.

Similarly, the Mudwani eco-parks recently developed by NCL in Jayantarea of Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh has a landscaped waterfront and pathways. "In a remote place like Singrauli, where there isn't much to see, the Mudwani eco-park is seeing a surge in visitors due to its beautiful landscape and other recreational facilities,” said a visitor.

The Mudwani eco-parks recently developed by NCL in Jayantarea of Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh has a landscaped waterfront and pathways.

"In a remote place like Singrauli, where there isn't much to see, the Mudwani eco-park is seeing a surge in visitors due to its beautiful landscape and other recreational facilities,” said a visitor.