SECL Becomes First Coal India Subsidiary to Conduct Large-Scale Mine Repurposing Study

New Delhi: 

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first subsidiary of Coal India Limited to conduct a large-scale Repurposing-Oriented Need Assessment Study aimed at sustainable development of closed and abandoned coal mines.

The comprehensive study, titled “Need Assessment of 100 Villages Around 20 Closed/Abandoned Coal Mines Located in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh”, was executed by Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak. The multidisciplinary research team included Dr. Krishnamani Bhagwati, Dr. Ramesh B., Dr. Charles Varghese, and Dr. Vimal Raj.

Covering 20 closed or abandoned coal mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, the project stands as one of the most extensive regional studies of its kind. It evaluated socio-economic conditions, livelihood opportunities, and infrastructure needs of 100 villages located around mining-affected regions.

Based on extensive field research and stakeholder consultations, the study proposes a sustainable development framework focused on agriculture-based value addition, renewable energy generation, and tourism development in abandoned mining areas. The initiative prioritizes youth, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, fostering both economic revival and social inclusion.

The final study reports have been formally submitted to SECL’s headquarters in Bilaspur and will serve as a strategic roadmap for the productive repurposing of closed mine areas. Based on the findings, SECL will implement need-based development works to improve living standards in surrounding communities.

 

The IGNTU research team acknowledged the continuous support of SECL and Coal India Limited officials, particularly Chairman-cum-Managing Director Shri Harish Duhan, Director (Technical) P&P Shri R. C. Mahapatra, General Manager (Mining) P&P Shri Ritesh Sobti, Chief Manager (Environment) P&P Dr. Anurag Tiwari, and Senior Manager (Mining) P&P Shri Vivek Thakur. Special appreciation was also extended to Area General Managers, Safety Officers, and field teams whose cooperation ensured the successful execution of the project.

 

This landmark initiative reinforces SECL’s leadership in responsible mining, community development, and sustainable transformation of India’s mining regions.