Why in News? The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) received the SKOCH Gold Award 2026 for the SUVIKALP Mine Repurposing Tool.
Prelims pointers
- Full identity: SUVIKALP Mine Repurposing Tool.
- Developed by: Coal Controller Organisation (CCO).
- Ministry: Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
- Purpose: Identifies and prioritises sustainable alternative uses for closed and abandoned coal mines.
- Assessment criteria: Technical, environmental, social and economic factors.
- Objective: Transform closed coal mines into productive assets through environmental restoration, livelihood generation and regional development.
- Associated model: PRISM — Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategy Model. It provides project concepts, case studies and implementation resources.
- Associated initiative: SUVIKALP Samvaad — a webinar series for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building on mine closure and repurposing.
- Award: SKOCH Gold Award 2026, in the category Digital Operational Efficiency – Data Driven Decision Making.
Prelims MCQs
Q1. SUVIKALP, recently in the news, is associated with:
A. Solar power generation
B. Repurposing closed coal mines
C. Coastal ecosystem restoration
D. Urban waste management
Answer: B. Repurposing closed coal mines
Explanation: It helps identify suitable productive and sustainable uses for land after coal mining.
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