Friday marked the celebration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India's outstanding accomplishment of having achieved 1 billion tonnes of coal production in the financial year 2024-25, declaring it a "proud moment for India."
The Prime Minister congratulated the round-the-clock efforts and endeavors of workers employed in the coal industry.
"Achieving the historic milestone of 1 billion tonnes of coal production is a remarkable feat. It reflects our resolve for energy security, economic development, and self-sufficiency. This achievement is the direct result of the tireless efforts and devotion of all those who are connected with the coal industry," PM Modi stated.
The Prime Minister's statement came after Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy made the announcement on social media that India had crossed 1 billion tonnes of coal production. Minister Reddy pointed out that this feat was achieved 11 days ahead of last year's figure of 997.83 million tonnes (MT), a clear indication of improvement in India's endeavors to fulfill its energy needs while promoting economic and industrial development.
Between April and December 2024, India even experienced an 8.4% fall in coal imports resulting in a saving of foreign exchange worth around $5.43 billion (Rs 42,315.7 crore) versus the corresponding year.
The historic production marks the achievement of strategic government reforms, such as the amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and the opening up of the coal sector to private participation by way of commercial auctioning of coal blocks. The reforms have resulted in an enhancement of domestic coal availability, decreasing the import requirement and generating considerable foreign exchange savings.
Minister Reddy noted that this achievement aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), emphasizing the Ministry of Coal's continuous efforts to strengthen the nation’s energy security while promoting sustainable development.
This achievement is not just a matter of production volumes; it is an important milestone in securing India's future energy supply. With the implementation of cutting-edge mining technology, Reddy said, logistics optimization, and eco-friendly practices, the coal industry is strengthening India's energy infrastructure and its economic resilience.
The achievement is a result of concerted efforts by coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), the private sector entities, and the committed efforts of about 5 lakh mine workers working across over 350 coal mines. The coal miners have braved innumerable challenges with unparalled commitment and have gone a long way towards this unprecedented feat. Since coal provides about 55% of India's energy requirements and produces nearly 74% of India's electricity, it is a pillar of the country's economic and energy security.
As envisioned under the 'Viksit Bharat 2047', this milestone puts India in the forefront of realizing a fully self-reliant energy nation. With sustained strategic reforms, innovations in technology, and prudent resource management, India remains committed on the path of an Atmanirbhar Bharat to provide a safe and self-reliant energy future for the country.
This milestone is a reflection of India's dedication towards ensuring its future generations of an energy-independent future, Reddy said.
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