The Minister descended into the operational areas of the Gevra mine to witness the scale and sophistication of coal extraction. He observed the use of some of the largest Heavy Earth Moving Machines (HEMMs) in the world, including a 42-cubic-meter shovel and 240-ton dumper. Shri Reddy also reviewed the deployment of advanced, blast-free surface miner technology and modern coal evacuation systems under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiative.<\/p>\n
In a heartfelt gesture that struck a chord with workers, the Minister interacted with machine operators inside their cabins, shared a meal at the miners\u2019 canteen, and even took a selfie with the workforce\u2014a moment that captured both appreciation and camaraderie.<\/p>\n
Green Commitments and Community Development<\/strong><\/p>\n Shri Reddy also toured SECL\u2019s green initiatives, including a visit to the Miyawaki plantation site, where afforestation is being promoted using a dense Japanese technique. He inaugurated the newly constructed Kalyan Mandap, a multi-purpose community facility for SECL employees.<\/p>\n Speaking on the occasion, Shri Reddy emphasized the vital role of coal in powering India, noting that over 70% of the nation\u2019s electricity is coal-dependent. \u201cOne can wait for food, but not for electricity,\u201d he said. \u201cOur coal miners ensure that the nation remains illuminated and energized.\u201d<\/p>\n Commitment to Responsible Mining<\/strong><\/p>\n The Minister highlighted the Centre\u2019s focus on balancing development with sustainability. He urged for responsible mine closures, stronger environmental safeguards, and continuous innovation to improve ecological outcomes.<\/p>\n The visit was attended by Coal India Chairman Shri P.M. Prasad, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Coal Shri B.P. Pati, and SECL CMD Shri Harish Duhan, among other senior officials. Their presence underlined the Centre\u2019s collaborative efforts to strengthen efficiency, environmental responsibility, and employee welfare across coal sector PSUs.<\/p>\n Shri Reddy\u2019s on-ground engagement reaffirmed the government\u2019s resolve to honour and empower India\u2019s coal workforce, who remain at the core of the nation\u2019s energy ecosystem.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Coal Minister visits Gevra mine in Chhattisgarh, lauds frontline workers and reviews eco-friendly operations<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":909,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[116,118,27,117],"tags":[156,170],"class_list":["post-907","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breaking-news","category-chhattishgarh","category-national","category-state","tag-coal-india","tag-secl"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thefrontpage24.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_9149.jpeg\")
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