23rd May, 2025 : Swaniti Initiative organised a roundtable in collaboration with SCCL on ‘Just Transition Roadmap for Telangana’s Net-Zero Future’ at the SCCL Area Office in Srirampur, Mancherial district.
The roundtable was presided over by Mr. Sreenivas, General Manager, Srirampur Area, and witnessed the participation of around 50 SCCL officials from various departments.
Mr. Sreenivas delivered the welcome address, underlining the significance of a just transition for coal-dependent regions like Mancherial.
Setting the context, Mr. Rishi Kishore, Fellow at Swaniti Initiative, provided an overview of the concept of just transition and its critical components within the Indian context. He spoke about India’s ongoing journey towards a net-zero future and discussed the current coal mine closure guidelines in the context of Just Transition.
Ms. Deeksha Pande and Mr. Saichandra R, Associate Fellows at Swaniti, presented the findings of the Telangana study, emphasizing the region’s economic dependence on coal and outlining possible economic diversification pathways for Mancherial and Peddapalli districts. Additionally, they highlighted the next steps including scope of collaboration between different stakeholders to ensure livelihood and community development in the coal regions.
The session was moderated by Mr. Sriram Kolasani, State Lead – Telangana, Swaniti Initiative, and concluded with an engaging open discussion.
Participants shared perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of pursuing a just transition in coal-dependent areas, underlining the need for inclusive and region-specific strategies, and institutionalising just transition at the area-level of the coal company.
