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Pralhad Joshi, the Minister for Coal and Mines, disclosed in a recent session of the Lok Sabha that the Government has not provided any financial support for the establishment of 15 eco-parks over the past five years in different parts of India.
Minister Joshi said that the Government has not earmarked funds for the establishment of these eco-parks. Surprisingly, the Coal and Lignite PSUs have assumed financial responsibility for the creation and maintenance of these ecological parks. The establishments serve the recreational needs of the nearby communities, offering them serene spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation.
While these eco-parks serve as recreational oases for nearby residents, it's notable that their creation doesn't just benefit the environment. Minister Joshi clarified that the eco parks are not intended to generate revenue for mining activities.
However, a unique case emerges in the form of the Kenapara Ecological Park in Chhattisgarh, operated and maintained by local self-help groups. These groups oversee the operation of a floating restaurant, a fish farm, and boating facilities within the park. The profits from these activities contribute to the livelihood of the Self-Help Groups, adding an interesting dimension of community participation and empowerment.
Eco parks State-wise & year-wise in 5 years
| Sl. No. | Financial Year | State | Name of the EcoPark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-20 | Chhattisgarh | Kenapara Eco Park, SECL |
| 2 | 2020-21 | Jharkhand | Parasnath Udyaan, BCCL |
| 3 | 2020-21 | Tamil Nadu | Mine-I Eco-Park, NLCIL |
| 4 | 2021-22 | Madhya Pradesh | Modwani Dam Eco Park, NCL |
| 5 | 2021-22 | Madhya Pradesh | Nigahi Eco Park, NCL |
| 6 | 2021-22 | Madhya Pradesh | Bal Gangadhar Tilak Eco Park, WCL |
| 7 | 2021-22 | Tamil Nadu | Mine-II Eco-Park, NLCIL |
| 8 | 2022-23 | Jharkhand | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Eco Park, BCCL |
| 9 | 2022-23 | Jharkhand | Govardhan Eco Park, BCCL |
| 10 | 2022-23 | Odisha | Chandrashekhar Azad Eco Park, MCL |
| 11 | 2022-23 | Odisha | Utkal Upavan, MCL |
| 12 | 2022-23 | West Bengal | Madhuvan Urja Vatika, ECL |
| 13 | 2022-23 | Telangana | GK OC Eco-Park, SCCL |
| 14 | 2023-24 | Maharashtra | Neem Vatika Eco Park, WCL |
| 15 | 2023-24 | Uttar Pradesh | CS Azad Eco Park, NCL |
Upcoming Eco-Parks: PSU Plans, Funds
| Sl. No. | State | Name of New Eco-Park | Estimated Fund (₹ in Lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chhattisgarh | Manikpur Eco- Park, SECL | 1111.00 |
| 2 | Chhattisgarh | Eco Nature Park, SECL | 2464.00 |
| 3 | Chhattisgarh | Oxygen Park, SECL | 210.00 |
| 4 | Jharkhand | B&K Eco-Park, CCL | 252.00 |
| 5 | Jharkhand | Dhori Eco-Park, CCL | 1233.00 |
| 6 | Jharkhand | Kathara Eco-Park, CCL | 409.00 |
| 7 | Jharkhand | Piparwar Eco-Park, CCL | 909.00 |
| 8 | Jharkhand | CRS Barkakana Eco-Park, CCL | 143.00 |
| 9 | Jharkhand | Barka-Sayal Eco-Park, CCL | 737.00 |
| 10 | Jharkhand | Hazaribagh Eco-Park, CCL | 1196.00 |
| 11 | Jharkhand | N K Eco-Park, CCL | 287.00 |
| 12 | Jharkhand | Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Eco-Restoration Park, BCCL | 14.40 |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | Block-B Eco- Park, NCL | 1200.00 |
| 14 | Madhya Pradesh | Butterfly Park, NCL | 400.00 |
| 15 | Odisha | Jagannath Vatika, MCL | 600.00 |
| 16 | Rajasthan | Barsingsar Project Eco-Tourism Park, NLCIL | 147.80 |
| 17 | Telangana | Srirampur Open Cast-II Eco-Park, SCCL | 50.00 |
| 18 | Uttar Pradesh | Khadia Eco-Park, NCL | 400.00 |
| 19 | West Bengal | Jhanjra Eco-Tourism Park, ECL | 1051.00 |
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