SECL Announces Rs. 169 Crore Investment in Plantation Projects in MP & Chhattisgarh
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TFP Bureau, New Delhi, July 27, 2023 – South Eastern Coalfields (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India based in Chhattisgarh, has unveiled its ambitious plan to invest Rs. 169 crores in extensive plantation projects within its operating states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh over the next five years. The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (CGRVVN) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (MPRVVN) to initiate the plantation work, spanning from 2023-24 to 2027-28, with an additional four years dedicated to the maintenance of each consecutive year’s plantation. As part of this collaboration, SECL will allocate Rs. 131.52 crores for Chhattisgarh and Rs. 38.11 crores for Madhya Pradesh to carry out the plantation endeavors.
According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau on July 26, 2023, in partnership with the state nigams, SECL aims to plant more than 26 lakh saplings in Chhattisgarh and approximately 12 lakh saplings in Madhya Pradesh. This initiative marks the company’s third MoU of its kind. In previous agreements, SECL successfully planted over 46 lakh saplings in Chhattisgarh and more than 16 lakh plants in Madhya Pradesh between 2013-14 and 2022-23, amounting to a total investment exceeding Rs. 168 crores.
The MoU outlines that the respective state nigams will undertake the plantation works on land acquired, leased, purchased, or transferred to the Company, including tenancy, government, revenue, and forest land, with necessary expertise and supervision.
To ensure the success of the plantation project, SECL plans to utilize six to twelve-month-old (polypot) plants. The selected species for plantation encompass a diverse array of fruit-bearing trees such as Jamun, Imli, Bel, Mango, Sitaphal, as well as medicinal and herbal plants like Neem, Amla, and Karanj. Additionally, SECL will plant valuable timber trees like Teak, Sal, Bamboo, Babool, Sissoo, Safed Sirus, and ornamental/avenue plants such as Gulmohar, Kachnar, Amaltas, Peepal, and Jharul. The opinions of local villagers will be taken into account to ensure that the selection of plant species aligns with the needs of the communities.
The plantation projects are an integral part of SECL’s commitment to enhance biodiversity and augment green cover in and around its mining areas. Notably, in the financial year 2022-23, the company achieved a historic milestone by planting over 8 lakh saplings across 365 hectares. Satellite imagery has provided evidence of significant improvements in green cover in regions where SECL has undertaken plantation activities.
Furthermore, SECL is actively engaged in various sustainable development initiatives, including the establishment of eco-parks, oxygen parks, and mine tourism sites on old or abandoned mining sites. Scientific treatment has enabled the supply of mine water to nearby towns and villages for agricultural and domestic use, demonstrating the company’s dedication to responsible resource management. Additionally, SECL is contributing to the promotion of renewable energy through the development of solar power projects.
By embarking on these initiatives, SECL is not only fulfilling its environmental responsibilities but also actively contributing to the communities it serves. Through sustained efforts and collaborative partnerships, the company aims to create a greener and more sustainable future for the region and beyond.
