Green Transition Of Chandrapur-Nagpur-Yavatmal Region In Maharashtra May Attract Rs 5.4 Lakh Crore Investment: Report

New Delhi, Jun 26 (KNN) A comprehensive green transition strategy for Maharashtra's Chandrapur-Nagpur-Yavatmal (CNY) region could attract investments worth Rs 5.4 lakh crore while creating 3.4 lakh jobs and boosting regional GDP growth by 4 per cent, according to a report released Wednesday by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST).

The environmental think tank unveiled its Just Transition Investment Plan for the CNY region during a conference in Mumbai on June 25, 2025.

The region currently accounts for the entirety of Maharashtra's coal production and approximately half of its coal-based power generation capacity.

The report projects a significant decline in the region's coal production, with output expected to fall by 50 per cent over the next decade due to resource depletion.

iFOREST proposes transforming closed and retiring coal mines into green industry and energy hubs as part of a broader economic restructuring initiative.

Dr. Chandra Bhushan, CEO, iFOREST, outlined the transition strategy during the Mumbai conference, stating that the blueprint aims to convert the traditional energy cluster into a sustainable investment destination.

The plan focuses on developing strategic economic nodes while maximising the region's renewable energy and industrial capabilities.

The 10-year blueprint identifies three primary Economic Development Nodes: Bhadrawati-Wani, Rajura-Chandrapur, and Umrer. These nodes span over 6,000 hectares of coal mine land and offer substantial solar energy potential, with capacity estimated at 37 GW.

The report indicates that land reclamation and repurposing initiatives will require Rs 33,400 crore in funding from public investments, coal companies, and power utilities.

Sujata Saunik, Chief Secretary, Maharashtra government, emphasised the importance of attracting investment for renewable energy projects and green industrial clusters. She stressed that the green transition must be both comprehensive and equitable in its implementation.

Praveen Pardeshi, Chief Economic Advisor to the Chief Minister and CEO of MITRA, highlighted the agricultural sector's energy dependency as a critical transition priority.

He noted that farmers currently consume 40 per cent of Maharashtra's energy for water pumping operations and irrigation needs.

Pardeshi advocated for transitioning agricultural operations to solar pumps, emphasising the need for innovative policy measures and behavioural incentives to support large-scale adoption of renewable energy sources in the farming sector.

(KNN Bureau)