Industrialization should not be allowed to cause damage to Ecology and Environment. Being conscious that environmental regeneration is the foundation on which productivity has to be built, Neyveli Lignite Corporation started investing to Eco Care long back and it is continuing.

Neyveli Lignite Corporation has accorded the high priority to ecology development and pollution control. Continuous monitoring in respect of liquid/ gaseous effluents control is carried out at units and treated effluents meet all MINAS and the statutory requirements. To improve the environment the Corporation has a planned afforestation programmes, and reclamation of waste land development to control pollution free air in Neyveli as a regular activity of the Corporation.

Neyveli Lignite Corporation is well aware of the effects of open cast mining to the environment. It therefore gives a lot of importance to pollution control, reclaiming land and maintaining ecological balance. A pollution level in air is being continuously monitored through six air monitoring stations in Neyveli. All the guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board have been adhered too.

NLC's success in land reclamation of mines spoils and afforestation has been overwhelming. The mined out area or the de-coaled area is refilled with overburden, since this does not contain plant nutrients. Or have the proper texture; great effort is put to successfully reclaim the land.

The dumped soil is improved in stages through modern techniques to bring back its original fertility and the agricultural operations are carried out by adding nutrients, like organic, inorganic and bio-­fertilizers. Now crops and vegetables of various varieties are being continuously raised in about 250 hectares. Further it is also proposed to increase this backfilled area into cultivable land.

AFFORESTATION IN AND AROUND MINES

The dreary and parched atmosphere of Neyveli, where mining began has now given way to lush greenery. The plantation helps control air pollution, acts as a windbreaker and prevents soil erosion. Massive afforestation were carried out in Mine spoil area, Industrial Units and Township. The total plantation in NLC is around 17 Million trees of various species planted in an area of 2750 hectares.

Reclamation in Mine Spoil : Research work was carried out in the Mine Spoil area by Organic forming, biological reclamation using bio-fertilizer s and Humic Acid developed at CARD. Utilization of Fly Ash in agriculture also carried out in Mine Spoil and the studies are under progress.

Ash Pond Reclamation : Abandoned Ash pond proposes environmental problem to create green cover. R&D Works were undertaken to re-vegitate in the Ashponds. Field trials were carried out in these areas and successfully establish re-vegitation with Orchardd/Forest Species. Some medically important plants have also been found to grow as undergrowth in the afforested area.

The suspended dust particles, emitted from Mines, Thermal Power Stations and other industrial units, are being arrested by the dense tree coverage.

Afforestation programme does not stop with the planting of trees, but restoring the trees whenever some damage is caused to the trees. During the cyclone on 5.12.93, number of trees were partly uprooted. Immediate action was taken to replant the avenue trees wherever possible - around 600 trees were thus replanted.

Formation of artificial lakes, ponds and picnic spots : Lakes and ponds were formed in the afforested areas and a picnic spot was also created with boating facilities, along with a mini zoo with rabbit, peacock, dove, spotted deer, duck etc. Fishes are bred in the lake. Different varieties are being grown. Water bodies, green shady trees and good climate attract birds from far and near. Neyveli has become a bird sanctuary and hundreds of species visit during different seasons.

Water Conservation

Many water conservation measures have been taken up by NLC like

1. Optimization of ground water pumping in Mines,
2. Introduction of dry ash disposal system.
3. Artificial recharging of ground water etc., and
4. Stoppage of ground water pumping for Township and using mine storm water after treatment for Township.

Neyveli is now rich with crops, trees, lakes making it clean and green.

HORTICULTURE IN NLC

The Horticulture Division is playing a major role in preserving the Environment in Neyveli Township by looking after the following activities. Maintenance of Gardens and Lawns in Public Buildings, Public Parks, Traffic Islands, etc. in the Township. Technical guidance for the maintenance of gardens and lawns in the public buildings in the Industrial Units. Maintenance of Horticulture nurseries. Development of new Parks in the Township. Planting of roadside avenue trees in the newly developed areas. NLC is maintaining 20 Public Gardens, 4 Public Parks and 15 Traffic Islands with aesthetic lawns and vegetation. A newly laid park in an area of 15 acres in Block-8 was dedicated to Pandit Nehru and named after him as the Nehru Centenary Park. This park serves as the lung centre of Neyveli.

Nurseries : The Nursery in Neyveli was developed in the early 60s. Another fully equipped Nursery was developed during 1987 Special collection in the Nursery include varieties of Hibiscus, Croutons, Dracaenas, cacti, Coleus, etc. This nursery has a Mist chamber for quick multiplication of plants, plus grafting, layering and budding for propagation.