TFP Bureau, Ambikapur, August 2, 2024: The public hearing for Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited’s (RRVUNL) proposed Kente Extension open-cast mine project concluded successfully on Friday in the Udaipur Block of Surguja district. The state-owned power utility plans to develop a new captive coal mine over 1,760 hectares with an annual production capacity of 11 million tonnes, including a state-of-the-art washery project.
This initiative follows the successful 12-year operation of the Parsa East Kete Basan (PEKB) Block, which produces 15 million tonnes of coal annually. The Kente Extension Project, alongside the PEKB and the newly allocated Parsa Block, will reduce Rajasthan’s dependence on Coal India and costly imported coal for its power generation needs.
The Ministry of Coal has awarded the PEKB Block a Five-Star Rating for its excellent operations. RRVUNL’s significant investment in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, livelihood, and rural infrastructure development, has garnered robust public support.
Hundreds of villagers from nearby areas braved the rain to attend the public hearing, which lasted seven hours. Chaired by Vijay Singh Porte, Regional Officer of the Environmental Protection Board, and Sunil Kumar Nayak, Additional District Magistrate, the hearing saw substantial support from local communities.
Deputy Sarpanch of Parsa, Ganeshram Yadav, praised RRVUNL’s efforts, stating,
“RRVUNL has transformed Surguja by planting more than 12 lakh trees on previously mined land, making PEKB a model mine. The utility runs cost-free English medium schools, skill development centers, clinics, and ambulance services. We hope these initiatives will continue with the Kente Extension mine.”
Villagers discussed regional development, job creation, and self-employment opportunities during the meeting. Local leaders and officials expressed confidence that the new project would bring further development and employment to the area.
Trilochan Pekra from Chakeri village emphasized,
“This project will provide job and self-employment opportunities to our women and youth. RRVUNL’s operations and CSR efforts have shown their commitment to bringing prosperity to the locals.”
Urmila Pando from Basen village added, “Many women, including myself, have become self-reliant through the women’s cooperative associated with the PEKB Mine. I support the Kente Extension Project.”
RRVUNL’s Additional Chief Engineer, VP Garg, outlined the details of the Chhattisgarh project and reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to community development. The public hearing was attended by various officials, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bansingh Netam and Udaipur Block Tehsildar Chandrashila Jayswal.
RRVUNL’s Superintendent Engineer Ashok Prasad and Adani Enterprises Limited’s Sarguja Cluster Chief Manoj Kumar Shahi were also present. VP Garg expressed gratitude to the villagers, administrative officials, stakeholders, and everyone involved in organizing the public hearing, promising continued developmental initiatives.
