Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Key Projects and Reviews WCL Operations in Nagpur
Nagpur, March 14, 2026: Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several important projects during his two-day visit to Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), aimed at strengthening infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and modernization of mining operations.
The projects were launched virtually as part of the Minister’s engagement with WCL officials and stakeholders.
Key Projects Launched
During the event, the minister:
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Flagged off 25 electric vehicles to support cleaner transportation within mining operations.
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Laid the foundation stone for the Black Diamond Sports Stadium in the Kamptee area of Nagpur.
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Announced the development of the Swami Vivekananda Eco Park in the Tadali region of Wani.
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Launched the First Mile Connectivity Project at Sasti Open Cast Mine in the Ballarpur area.
These initiatives aim to promote infrastructure development, environmental protection, and operational efficiency across WCL’s mining regions.
Review of WCL Performance
During the visit, the minister also conducted a detailed review of WCL’s work related to coal production, mine safety, environmental protection, sustainable development, and upcoming projects.
He praised the work culture and performance of Team WCL, expressing confidence that the company will achieve stronger results during the current financial year.
Leadership Participation
The review meeting included senior officials such as:
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Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal
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B. Sairam, Chairman of Coal India Limited
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Harish Duhan, Chairman and Managing Director of WCL
During the meeting, CMD Harish Duhan presented a detailed overview of WCL’s achievements during the financial year 2025-26, including production performance and sustainability initiatives.
Visit to Murpar Underground Mine
As part of the visit, the minister is scheduled to inspect the Murpar underground mine, where the mine closure process is currently underway. He will also hold discussions with the District Collector and the Mine Closure Advisory Committee (MCAC).
Representatives from local villages, NGOs, consultants, and WCL mine closure nodal officers are expected to participate in the discussions on responsible mine closure and community engagement.
The visit highlights the government’s focus on modernizing coal mining operations while ensuring environmental sustainability and community development in coal-bearing regions.