WCL Signs Fourth MoU with MBDB for Bamboo Plantation Project

Nagpur July 2026: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has taken another significant step towards sustainable mining and business diversification by signing its fourth Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB). The agreement aims to establish a commercial bamboo plantation on 28 hectares of reclaimed land at the Dhupatala Opencast Mine in WCL's Ballarpur Area.

The initiative reinforces WCL's commitment to transforming reclaimed mining land into productive green assets while promoting environmental sustainability and creating alternative revenue streams.

Commercial Bamboo Plantation to Expand Green Cover

With the latest agreement, the total area under commercial bamboo plantation across WCL has crossed 121 hectares. The project will be implemented over a 15-year period with an initial investment of approximately ₹2.57 crore.

According to WCL, the company expects to start receiving financial returns from the project beginning in the eighth year, making it a long-term investment in both environmental conservation and sustainable business growth.

Senior Officials Present at MoU Signing

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organisations, including:

• Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Western Coalfields Limited

• Shri Bikram Ghosh, Director (Finance & Human Resources), WCL

• Shri S. S. Paranjape, Director (Technical – Projects & Planning), WCL

• Shri Hrishikesh Ranjan, Managing Director, Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board

Their presence highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration in advancing sustainable land reclamation and ecological restoration initiatives.

Supporting Sustainable Mining and Business Diversification

The bamboo plantation project is expected to deliver multiple environmental and socio-economic benefits. In addition to restoring reclaimed mine land, the initiative will contribute to:

• Carbon sequestration and climate resilience

• Biodiversity conservation

• Green rehabilitation of mined-out areas

• Employment generation for local communities

• Diversification of WCL's non-coal revenue sources

The project aligns with WCL's broader strategy of integrating environmental responsibility with long-term business sustainability.

A Step Towards Greener Mining

As one of India's leading coal-producing companies, Western Coalfields Limited continues to invest in innovative land reclamation projects that balance mining operations with environmental stewardship. The expansion of commercial bamboo plantations reflects the company's growing focus on sustainable development, ecological restoration and responsible resource management.