MCL completes land acquisition of Bhalugadia village in Talcher for coal mining

• Bhalugadia, a compact village spread over 17 hectares of coal-bearing land in Talcher coalfields, had 288 families living there
• The village was acquired under CBA (Coal Bearing Act) by MCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), for coal mining in Odisha

New Delhi: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has completed the land acquisition of Bhalugadia village in Talcher, Angul district of Odisha, for coal mining without any obstruction from local villagers, the coal PSU said in an official statement. MCL's Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) PK Sinha appreciated the efforts of the state administration in developing "mutual trust among all stakeholders," including Bhalugadia villagers at Talcher in Angul district of Odisha, and facilitating smooth transition of coal bearing land to the company in the interest of the nation.

"It is indeed an unparalleled and satisfying moment to experience the level of mutual trust developed among all the stakeholders," said Sinha while expressing his gratitude towards the villagers of Bhalugadia for their confidence and cooperation. 

Bhalugadia village spreads over 17 Hectares of coal-bearing land

Bhalugadia, a compact village spread over 17 hectares of coal-bearing land in Talcher coalfields, had 288 families living there. The village was acquired under CBA (Coal Bearing Act) by MCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), for coal mining in Odisha, said the statement. "For the first time in the history of MCL in Odisha, a village has handed over its resources without any obstruction and in one go to facilitate coal mining operations. It was a unique agreement based on mutual trust among the stakeholders — local population and their leadership, district administration and the mining company — to contribute in unison for the development of the nation," said the statement.

The CMD also congratulated the Angul district administration and the local management of MCL's Hingula Area for developing such a synergy to generate mutual trust among all the stakeholders. The local Hingula Area management of MCL, with an active support and guidance of Odisha state administration, was able to create an environment of mutual trust among peripheral villagers that they voluntarily handed over their homestead land to the company, said MCL. 

Recently, the General Manager of local command Hingula Area organised a thanksgiving ceremony for the residents of Bhalugadia village in his office for setting an example of "obstruction-free" eviction from homestead land for coal mining purposes.

Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) policy for land acquisition

MCL, a subsidiary of Coal India, follows the R&R (rehabilitation and resettlement) policy of the Odisha government for land acquisition. As per the R&R policy of the Odisha government, MCL offers a permanent job in the company to each eligible member of the landowners' families, which means whosoever is above the age of 18 as on the date of notification. In addition, a monetary compensation is given to beneficiaries against the land acquired and 10 decimal land or equivalent cost for rehabilitation and resettlement. The 17 hectares of land made available by Bhalugadia villagers would enable MCL to excavate 21 million tonnes (MT) of dry fuel.

MCL, the second-largest coal-producing company in the country, is also the top contributor to Odisha state under CSR.

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