#1ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Top ↑SUVIKALP Tool and Mine Repurposing Initiative
ЁЯФ╣ Why in News & Recent Development
The SUVIKALP tool has received national recognition through the prestigious SKOCH Gold Award 2026 under the category of 'Digital Operational Efficiency тАУ Data Driven Decision Making'. This recognition highlights the growing integration of digital platforms in addressing post-mining environmental degradation and economic transition.
ЁЯФ╣ Key Conceptual & Analytical Details
Developed as an in-house mine repurposing tool by the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) under the Ministry of Coal, SUVIKALP evaluates and ranks repurposing projects based on multiple technical, environmental, social, and economic criteria. Once a suitable project is identified, users can explore implementation pathways through PRISM (Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategy Model), which supplies project concepts, sample Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), tender documents, and regulatory guidelines.
ЁЯФ╣ Strategic Importance & Future Impact
Mine repurposing is vital for India's just transition agenda, ensuring that closed or abandoned coal mines do not become environmental hazards. By utilizing data-driven decision-making, the tool optimizes land restoration, fosters green energy projects, and generates sustainable local livelihoods in erstwhile mining districts.
ЁЯФ╣ UP PCS / STATE PCS HIGH-YIELD VALUE ADDITION
тАв- **Nodal Ministry / Agency**: Coal Controller Organisation (CCO), Ministry of Coal
тАв- **Legal & Policy Framework**: National Mineral Policy and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act
тАв- **Core Metrics**: Evaluates projects across technical, environmental, social, and economic axes via PRISM integration
тАв- **UPPCS Prelims Trend**: Direct factual questions on institutional bodies under the Ministry of Coal and digital governance initiatives are frequently tested in paper 1.