CMPDI Conducts Stakeholder Consultation on Community Development & Livelihood Plan for MCL Areas

Bhubaneswar, FEB 21, 2026: Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), RI–VII, Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), conducted a Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on the Community Development and Livelihood Plan (CDLP) for the Basundhara and IB Valley Areas.

The consultation was held on 21st February 2026 and aimed to familiarize stakeholders with the Ministry of Coal’s newly introduced CDLP framework. A key highlight of the plan is the utilization of 25% of funds from the Escrow Account to support structured community development and sustainable livelihood initiatives in project-affected areas.

Highlights of the Consultation

The meeting featured a detailed presentation, elaborating on:

• Objectives of the CDLP framework

• Scope of community development and livelihood initiatives

• Implementation strategy for effective project execution

Village representatives and local stakeholders actively participated in the discussions, offering valuable inputs and suggestions for the preparation and successful implementation of the CDLP. The initiative received strong support, emphasizing the importance of collaborative planning and inclusive development in the Basundhara and IB Valley areas.

Significance

The consultation reinforces CMPDI and MCL’s commitment to:

• Empowering local communities through sustainable livelihood programs

• Ensuring structured utilization of project funds for development purposes

• Strengthening stakeholder engagement for transparent and effective project planning

The CDLP initiative aligns with broader government priorities of responsible mining, inclusive development, and community welfare, setting a benchmark for participatory planning in coalfield regions.