New Delhi: MCL (Mahanadi Coalfields Limited), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has laid out a plan for investment of about Rs 60,000 crore in Odisha, with Rs 31,000 crore to be spent for mining and social infrastructure development by 2023-24. With investment in acquisition of land for three new MDO (Mine, Develop and Operate) projects — Siarmal (50 MTY) in Ib Valley coalfields, Subhadra (25 MTY) and Balbhadra North (10 MTY) in Talcher coalfields — as well as the expansion of existing projects, the company targets to increase its coal production capacity to 300 million tonnes.
To increase the capacity building for new projects and expansion of existing projects, the company would invest in procurement of HEMMs, besides setting-up of 1,600 MW (2×800) supercritical thermal power plant, with a planned investment of Rs 11,363 crore in Sundergarh district of Odisha.
The investment in strengthening coal evacuation infrastructure — like doubling of 53-km-long Jharsuguda-Sardega railway line with a flyover at Jharsuguda railway station and construction of 12 Rapid Loading Systems (RLS) — aims at supplementing the increased coal production. With the help of the state government, the company has planned for creating social infrastructure, like roads, flyovers, parks, etc. under its Command Area in Sundergarh, Jhasuguda, Sambalpur and Angul districts of state.
With its focus on land reclamation and environment-protection, the Innovations Cell at MCL headquarters is undertaking various initiatives to introduce best technology and practices for dust suppression, fire-fighting, eco-friendly coal loading, etc.
To spread green footsteps, MCL is going to set-up more solar power plants, besides biological reclamation of the mined-out area and bringing it to original form by laying top soil, adopting the best agricultural and afforestation practices. MCL has also adopted a part of the tribal-dominated area under its command in Sundergarh for development under Gram Samridhi Yojana, to improve the quality of life in and around MCL's projects.
The planned investment in social and mining projects will increase direct and indirect employment for local youth and will provide opportunities for MSEMs (Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises).
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