A landmark tripartite agreement to plant forests on mine voids in Dalla Range of the Obra Forest Division in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, was today signed between the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) Bhopal, the Forest Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and the Aluminium Association of India (AAI).
To rehabilitate the soil and encourage the growth of plants while reducing waste pollution in the area, mine voids will be filled with industrial wastes like red mud and fly ash.
At the heart of this agreement is a pilot study aimed at evaluating the impact of utilising red mud and fly ash to fill mine voids in the Dalla Range. After the cement industry successfully utilised industrial wastes like red mud and fly ash, using these wastes to fill will have a twofold sustainable impact by using the byproduct and growing trees.
Void filling will encompass the creation of admixtures, constructing barriers or liners, compacting materials, and carefully determining each stratum in a step-by-step manner. In certain cases, adjustments to the pit's topography might be made, followed by the application of geotextile or natural barriers. On completion of the filling process, topsoil, gypsum, micorizza nutrients will be added and recommended species will be planted.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the distinguished Chief Guest, Chandra Prakash Goel, Director General of Forests, and special secretary, Government of India, said, “This agreement demonstrates our united commitment to rejuvenate abandoned mine voids and restore our forests thus contributing to mitigating climate change."
K Ravichandran, Director of IIFM Bhopal, said, "Through this initiative we will strive to provide leading-edge environmental research which will be an asset in our journey towards sustainable development."
Manoj Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Department of Forest, Govt of Uttar Pradesh, said, "This tripartite partnership embodying the essence of government stewardship and innovative research, will provide valuable information to decision makers to address climate change and manage biodiversity and ecosystems."A highlight of the event was the presence of Mamta Sanjeev Dubey, the former Head of Forest Force, Govt of Uttar Pradesh, said, "I'm thrilled to see the remarkable collaborative efforts that have materialized into this initiative. It reflects our shared commitment to rejuvenate ecosystems, a testament to the power of unity in the face of ecological challenges."Mr. Sudhir Kumar Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Uttar Pradesh, also echoed the sentiment of unity driving this initiative. "Through this partnership we are combining our knowledge, expertise, and resources to reshape the landscape for a greener tomorrow."
