The production of coal is accompanied by a huge quantity of coal overburden (OB), which is stacked on the ground in the form of external dumps with a slope angle not exceeding the angle of repose. The reclamation of these dump slopes is a big challenge due to their environmental pollution with occasional failures. The dumping of fresh OB over the existing material, erosion due to water and wind make the slope unstable. The stabilization techniques for coal overburden dump slopes include mechanical stabilization like benching of slopes, construction of berms; the biological stabilization like phytoremediation. Plantation is a sustainable technique for slope stabilization that utilizes the root and shoot parts of plant species (grasses, shrubs and trees). This paper discussed the challenges of phytoremediation methods and future perspectives. This method becomes challenging when used on a sloping surface as the placement of seeds/saplings becomes difficult. The poor nutrient content of the coal OB, and the low water retention capacity further inhibit the plant growth. Climatic conditions play an important role in phytoremediation. Therefore, plants require extra care and monitoring in the beginning. The roots provide reinforcing action to the soil enhancing the shear strength and hence, the factor of safety. The use of the shear test for the quantification of the improved shear strength gets difficult on the sloping surface. This effect can be determined in an easier way by considering the equivalent cohesion of soil and considering the tensile strength approach. In addition, the challenge is erosion control and restoration of the slope in the initial period of plant growth. The phytoremediation can restore the lost biodiversity due to land degradation.