Marking International Day of Forest’25 World Forest Day 2025, Vedanta Sesa Goa partnered Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola (GCASC), to promote environmental awareness amongst students through a conducted tour of Goa’s only internationally acclaimed mine reclamation project – the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines.
The visit provided students with a firsthand understanding of the requirement to preserve & conserve nature and to witness the balance between development & environment in Goa State , which has over 2200 sq. km under forest cover, representing 60% of its total geographical area. However, with mining and other industrial activities being essential for achieving economic prosperity, it is imperative to strike a balance between nature and human progress.
In this context the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mine is a benchmark project undertaken by Vedanta Sesa Goa & represents tremendous success in the field of successful mine closure activity as well as ecological restoration efforts. The Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines are a unique project, wherein the site was an active mining site for almost four decades, before being systematically restored for its biodiversity and green cover. The students explored the medicinal gardens Nakshatra Van & Charak Vatika, the Pisciculture Pond, which promotes water conservation and sustainable fish farming; the Bamboo Pavilion, an eco-friendly structure showcasing innovative sustainability practices, and the Butterfly Garden, a thriving habitat designed to support pollinators and enhance local biodiversity, amongst other picturesque locations.
In addition to experiencing the reclaimed mine’s transformation, students were also introduced to the Sesa Football Academy (SFA) and the Sesa Technical School (STS), both established on the reclaimed site by utilising the erstwhile mining site’s buildings and other assets. The Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines have received several internation and national level awards for the unique manner of restoring an erstwhile mine into a lush ‘green-scape’.
As part of the initiative, an awareness session on Environmental Sustainability was conducted by Mr. Ashish Sabharwal, Founder – Vriksh Foundation, who shared insights on the importance of conservation, sustainable resource management, and the role of youth in fostering a greener future.The students also participated in spot competitions involving recognising various flora and fauna.
Mr. Asheesh Sabharwal, Founder – Vriksh Foundation said, “It was truly wonderful to visit the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines. This site stands as an inspiration and a remarkable example of how industry can give back to the environment and society through well-researched and sustainable methods. Vedanta Sesa Goa has done an outstanding job in restoring this landscape. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the pisciculture pond, the bamboo pavilion, and the Nakshatra garden—each reflecting a deep commitment to ecological restoration. I sincerely commend their efforts in creating a model for responsible reclamation.”
Sharing her experience of the visit, Delcy Fernandes, Student, Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Khandola ” “Visiting the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines was a truly enriching experience. It was incredible to see how a former mining site has been transformed into a lush, thriving green space.
The diverse range of trees and species made it a breathtaking sight, and I could even feel the temperature difference—thanks to the dense plantation, the area was noticeably cooler than its surroundings. Experiencing this on the International Day of Forests served as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying connected to nature and planting more trees for a sustainable development.”
Sesa Goa embarked on this unique Project at a time when no legislation existed to mandate mine closure activities. Today the SRM stands as a testimony to conducting sustainable mining operations. Sesa Goa remains steadfast in its commitment to driving innovation in mining while prioritizing environmental conservation and socio-economic development, ensuring long-term benefits for the nation and its people.
