India stands at a critical energy crossroads where abundance and vulnerability coexist. The country has nearly 400 billion tonnes of coal resources, placing it among the most coal rich nations globally. Of this, about 163 billion tonnes are proven reserves. Coal remains the backbone of India’s energy system, supplying around 55 per cent of the primary energy mix and nearly 74 per cent of electricity generation. Annual coal demand is already close to one billion tonnes and is expected to rise further by 2047, even as India advances toward its net zero target for 2070.This dependence brings a contradiction. Coal…