Angul is the epicenter of Odisha’s coal mining and industrial economy which is expected to grow significantly over the next 10 years. However, the state is also highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Ushering a green industrialisation along with coal transition, therefore, lies at the core of planning a just transition. The study on just transition for Angul was undertaken to evaluate how Odisha’s largest coal mining and industrial district can strategically plan for a just energy transition and simultaneously build a green economy in the coming decades.

There is a high proportion of informal workers in India’s coal states and districts who are directly dependent on coal for an income. These workers are engaged in a variety of activities related to coal mining, coal transportation, and in the coal washeries. Besides, a large proportion of people earn a living by gathering and selling coal. These workers collectively constitute the informal coal economy.

The study of the Korba district of Chhattisgarh was undertaken to understand what a just transition will mean and entail for India’s top coal mining and coal-based power districts, and how a just transition planning can be approached.

A precise definition and an appropriate framing of just transition in the context of India’s fossil fuel regions and economy is essential to build policy momentum and public engagement on the issue. This is also important for formulation of relevant policies and just transition plans that are guided by the principles of social and environmental justice, and are designed to achieve net positive social, economic and environmental outcomes

Developing countries require massive financial and technical support to ensure just and equitable phase out of coal under accelerated timelines, aligned with achieving decarbonization goals. The requirement of strengthened support has been brought up on several occasions at the ongoing COP26.