Sanctoria, 06 February 2026: Eastern Coalfields Limited, (a subsidiary of Coal India Limited) reaffirmed its commitment towards sustainable development and social well-being. During a high-level meeting between the Director (Technical/ Project & Planning), ECL Shri Girish Gopinathan Nair and the District Magistrate, Paschim Bardhaman Shri Ponnambalam S. (IAS), held on 06.02.2026, elaborate discussion was held on ECL’s Mine Closure Plan with a focus on Community Development and Livelihood Generation initiatives as part of sustainable mining activities and repurposing of mined out land in line with the mandate of the Government of India.
The meeting was also attended by Smt. Nitu Shukla (IAS), Additional District Magistrate (ZP), Sri Aranya Banerjee, Additional District Magistrate (Land Reform) along with other officers from District administration as well as block level level Revenue Officials.
ECL was also represented by other senior officials including Shri P. S. De, General Manager (Coordination), Shri Mrityunjay Kumar, General Manager (Environment), Shri Robin Thounaoja, General Manager, Satgram–Sripur Area, Shri Bhaskar Bhattacahrya, General Manager (Geology) and representatives from the CSR department of ECL.
Discussions emphasized on the importance of integrating mine closure activities aligned with long-term socio-economic development of the affected communities. Special focus was placed on livelihood generation, environmental restoration and creation of sustainable community assets to ensure post-mining landscapes that could contribute positively to local well-being. While commenting on the general water scarcity in the District, the District Magistrate further stressed upon the effective / judicious utilisation of available water resources within the excavated mining area for domestic as well as for agricultural purpose with a view for well being of the local people.
Further, in accordance with the Mine Closure Guidelines, the District Magistrate, Paschim Bardhaman, constituted an Advisory Committee to guide and monitor the implementation of mine closure plans and associated community development initiatives. The committee will play a key pivotal role in ensuring participatory planning, transparency in alignment with local developmental priorities.
Speaking on the occasion, Director (Technical/ Project and Planning), ECL extended ECL’s commitment towards collaborative approach with District authorities to transform mine closure activities into an opportunity for inclusive growth, environmental stewardship and enhanced quality of life for communities, reinforcing ECL’s commitment towards responsible mining and sustainable social development.