Progress and Best Practices of Special Campaign 5.0 in Coal Ministry

Overview The Ministry of Coal, along with its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), actively implemented a range of activities as part of the ongoing Special Campaign 5.0 . These efforts, conducted from October 2nd to 31st, 2025 , promoted best practices aimed at enhancing cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. Key Achievements During the implementation phase, the Ministry surpassed its set targets, achieving significant milestones: Revenue Generation: A total revenue of ₹42,09,16,186 was earned. File Management: 86,307 files were weeded out or closed. Detailed Performance The following table summarizes the achievements against the set targets: S. No. Parameters Targets Achievement Achievement % 1 Cleanliness Campaign Sites 1439 1552 108 2 Areas cleared under campaign (sq. ft.) 8251511 9158274 111 3 Quantity of scrap disposed (Metric ton) 8678 10440 120 4 IMC References 2 2 100 5 Public Grievances 166 166 100 6 PMO References 61 61 100 7 Physical Files Reviewed 123830 187286 151 8 e-Files Review 32182 37812 116 Best Practices Highlighted 1. Plastic to Cogging Slipper A unit for single-use plastic waste management was established at Bankola Area under ECL . This plant aims to create a plastic-free environment and reduce deforestation by producing plastic cogging slippers as a replacement for wooden ones in underground mines. 2. Waste to Art Installation Kusunda Area of BCCL repurposed discarded materials, crafting sofa sets from old drums and center tables from rejected tires, furthering the 3R vision: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. 3. Scrap to Chaar Dhaam (Temples) MCL transformed mechanical scrap into replicas of the Chaar Dhaam temples of India . These replicas, made from LHD components, conveyor belts, pump parts, and drill spares, are located at ECO Park under Orient Area, MCL . 4. Fog Cannon Machine and Mounted Mechanical Vacuum-Based Road Sweeping Machine A Truck Mounted Fog Cannon Machine and a Truck Mounted Mechanical Vacuum-Based Road Sweeping Machine were introduced in the Rajmahal Area under ECL , boosting dust suppression and eco-friendly mining operations. 5. Installation of Bio-Toilets NCL installed bio-toilets at various areas to promote environmental sustainability, improve sanitation facilities, and ensure eco-friendly waste management. 6. Waste to Wealth A sculpture crafted from iron scrap collected from Nigahi Mines, NCL , symbolizes the concept of "Waste to Wealth" and features CIL's mascot 'Angara' . 7. Inauguration of Creches at WCL Two new Creche Centres were inaugurated at Majri Area Office and Ekona Sub Area, WCL , providing safe spaces for children of employees and supporting working parents. UPSC Relevance This article is relevant to the UPSC syllabus, particularly GS3 (Environment, Infrastructure, and Economy) and GS2 (Government Policies) . It highlights government initiatives towards sustainable development and waste management in the coal sector. The innovative practices mentioned can be used as examples in Mains answers and essays.