
JSWBPSL signs MoU for Greenbelt Development
The MoU, signed on Monday, marks the launch of an ambitious Greenbelt Development Programme in and around JSWBPSL's operational areas. The agreement was signed by Umesh Rai, Chief Operating Officer, JSWBPSL; S N Nanda, Regional Officer, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, Sambalpur; and Dilip Rout, Divisional Manager, Odisha Forest Development Corporation. This collaboration underscores a unified vision towards creating greener industrial spaces and reaffirming the shared responsibility of industry and government in protecting the environment.
Umesh Rai emphasised the significance of Greenbelt Development as an integral component of JSW's broader sustainability strategy. He highlighted the company's ongoing efforts to adopt eco-conscious manufacturing practices, reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency and preserve biodiversity in the regions where it operates. 'At JSWBPSL, sustainability is not just a policy. It is a commitment woven into our operational DNA,' said Rai.
Nanda and Rout lauded the initiative, expressed gratitude to JSWBPSL and acknowledged the leadership of Anil Kumar Singh, President and Whole Time Director of JSWBPSL, for his continued support and vision for a cleaner, greener industrial future. They said this agreement will serve as a model of effective collaboration between industry and regulatory bodies in driving environmental progress.
This Greenbelt Campaign will also be carried out as a part of the Centre's Tree Plantation Campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' further aligning with the national mission to promote afforestation and environmental responsibility.
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Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
JSWBPSL signs MoU for Greenbelt Development
Bhubaneswa: In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering environmental sustainability, JSW Bhushan Power and Steel Limited has taken a giant leap forward by entering into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) and Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC). The MoU, signed on Monday, marks the launch of an ambitious Greenbelt Development Programme in and around JSWBPSL's operational areas. The agreement was signed by Umesh Rai, Chief Operating Officer, JSWBPSL; S N Nanda, Regional Officer, Odisha State Pollution Control Board, Sambalpur; and Dilip Rout, Divisional Manager, Odisha Forest Development Corporation. This collaboration underscores a unified vision towards creating greener industrial spaces and reaffirming the shared responsibility of industry and government in protecting the environment. Umesh Rai emphasised the significance of Greenbelt Development as an integral component of JSW's broader sustainability strategy. He highlighted the company's ongoing efforts to adopt eco-conscious manufacturing practices, reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency and preserve biodiversity in the regions where it operates. 'At JSWBPSL, sustainability is not just a policy. It is a commitment woven into our operational DNA,' said Rai. Nanda and Rout lauded the initiative, expressed gratitude to JSWBPSL and acknowledged the leadership of Anil Kumar Singh, President and Whole Time Director of JSWBPSL, for his continued support and vision for a cleaner, greener industrial future. They said this agreement will serve as a model of effective collaboration between industry and regulatory bodies in driving environmental progress. This Greenbelt Campaign will also be carried out as a part of the Centre's Tree Plantation Campaign 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' further aligning with the national mission to promote afforestation and environmental responsibility.


Time of India
29-07-2025
- Time of India
CG now tops GSDP share from mining, leads in forest gain
Raipur: Chhattisgarh's mining sector now contributes the highest share to any Indian state's economy -- 9.38% of its gross state domestic product (GSDP). This figure surpasses traditional mining giants like Odisha (9%) and Jharkhand (5.3%), according to the Union ministry of statistics and EY's 2025 sectoral analysis. But, experts say, what sets Chhattisgarh apart is not just the economic magnitude of its mining industry. It's the state's defiance of the belief that mining and environmental sustainability can't go hand-in-hand, experts added. Chhattisgarh is extracting value through mining activities while regenerating the green. Mining contributes just about 2.2% to the national GDP. Secretary, mineral resources department of Chhattisgarh, P Dayanand told TOI, "Of the state's 1.35 crore hectares of geographical area, nearly 44.3% (about 59.8 lakh hectares) is forest. Since 1980, only 28,781 hectares -- around 0.47% of that forest area -- have been diverted for mining that ranges to only 0.21% of the state's total land. And not all of that diversion impacts the ground: The underground mining, which covers 12,783 hectares across 27 mines, leaves the forest canopy untouched. Open cast mining accounts for just 0.26% of the forest area on 16,000 hectares." "What distinguishes Chhattisgarh is its phased approach to mining. Rather than mass clearances, only 5% to 6% of trees is felled each year over a mine's 40–50-year lifespan. For instance, at Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVNL) PEKB coal mine in Hasdeo Arand coalfield, about 80–90 hectares are cleared annually while the approval is for 1,900 hectares. This gradual clearance allows ecosystems to adapt and regenerate," added Dayanand. "Every rupee earned from mining is being reinvested into our villages, farmers, and future. It's a model built on deliberate policy and disciplined execution. We are committed to operationalising our auctioned blocks without compromising our green ethos," Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai told TOI. In 2025, the state is planting 2.5 crore saplings under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign — an area equivalent to 25,000 hectares, CM said. For every hectare of forest diverted, 5 to 10 hectares worth of trees are planted at a rate of 1,100 saplings per hectare. According to India State of Forest Report, Chhattisgarh has registered a net gain of 68,362 hectares in forest cover, the highest among all Indian states. Besides afforestation by forest department, companies like Bhilai Steel Plant, RRVNL, and SECL have also begun reclaiming mined-out areas, handing them back for ecological restoration. BSP has reclaimed 48% of its mined land, RRVNL 28%, and SECL 16%, says data. Chhattisgarh underperforms on revenue realisation Mining sector provides direct employment to about 2 lakh people and indirectly supports another 20 lakh across steel, cement, aluminium, and power sectors. Yet, experts point out that Chhattisgarh is still underperforming on revenue realisation. While mining revenues have grown from Rs 6,110 crore in 2018–19 to Rs 14,000 crore in 2024–25, Odisha saw a fourfold increase in the same period, from Rs 10,499 crore to Rs 45,000 crore — largely due to faster operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. "Chhattisgarh still has work to do. Speeding up mine activation could unlock vital funds for key welfare schemes like Mahtari Vandan Yojana, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Rs 50,000 crore Bodhghat multipurpose dam project," said an official.


Time of India
29-07-2025
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh now tops GSDP share from mining, leads in forest gain
RAIPUR:Chhattisgarh's mining sector now contributes the highest share to any Indian state's economy -- 9.38% of its gross state domestic product (GSDP). This figure surpasses traditional mining giants like Odisha (9%) and Jharkhand (5.3%), according to the Union ministry of statistics and EY's 2025 sectoral analysis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But, experts say, what sets Chhattisgarh apart is not just the economic magnitude of its mining industry. It's the state's defiance of the belief that mining and environmental sustainability can't go hand-in-hand, experts added. Chhattisgarh is extracting value through mining activities while regenerating the green. Mining contributes just about 2.2% to the national GDP. Secretary, mineral resources department of Chhattisgarh, P Dayanand told TOI, 'Of the state's 1.35 crore hectares of geographical area, nearly 44.3% (about 59.8 lakh hectares) is forest. Since 1980, only 28,781 hectares -- around 0.47% of that forest area -- have been diverted for mining that ranges to only 0.21% of the state's total land. And not all of that diversion impacts the ground: The underground mining, which covers 12,783 hectares across 27 mines, leaves the forest canopy untouched. Open cast mining accounts for just 0.26% of the forest area on 16,000 hectares.' 'What distinguishes Chhattisgarh is its phased approach to mining. Rather than mass clearances, only 5% to 6% of trees is felled each year over a mine's 40–50-year lifespan. For instance, at Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (RRVNL) PEKB coal mine in Hasdeo Arand coalfield, about 80–90 hectares are cleared annually while the approval is for 1,900 hectares. This gradual clearance allows ecosystems to adapt and regenerate,' added Dayanand. 'Every rupee earned from mining is being reinvested into our villages, farmers, and future. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's a model built on deliberate policy and disciplined execution. We are committed to operationalising our auctioned blocks without compromising our green ethos,' Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai told TOI. In 2025, the state is planting 2.5 crore saplings under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign — an area equivalent to 25,000 hectares, CM said. For every hectare of forest diverted, 5 to 10 hectares worth of trees are planted at a rate of 1,100 saplings per hectare. According to India State of Forest Report, Chhattisgarh has registered a net gain of 68,362 hectares in forest cover, the highest among all Indian states. Besides afforestation by forest department, companies like Bhilai Steel Plant, RRVNL, and SECL have also begun reclaiming mined-out areas, handing them back for ecological restoration. BSP has reclaimed 48% of its mined land, RRVNL 28%, and SECL 16%, says data. Chhattisgarh underperforms on revenue realisation Mining sector provides direct employment to about 2 lakh people and indirectly supports another 20 lakh across steel, cement, aluminium, and power sectors. Yet, experts point out that Chhattisgarh is still underperforming on revenue realisation. While mining revenues have grown from Rs 6,110 crore in 2018–19 to Rs 14,000 crore in 2024–25, Odisha saw a fourfold increase in the same period, from Rs 10,499 crore to Rs 45,000 crore — largely due to faster operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks. 'Chhattisgarh still has work to do. Speeding up mine activation could unlock vital funds for key welfare schemes like Mahtari Vandan Yojana, PMAY, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Rs 50,000 crore Bodhghat multipurpose dam project,' said an official. Chhattisgarh vs Odisha and Jharkhand: A Revenue Reality Check While Chhattisgarh leads in GDP share, its mineral revenue lags behind Odisha. In FY 2024-25: Odisha's mining revenue: ₹45,000 crore Chhattisgarh's mining revenue: ₹14,000 crore Jharkhand (not detailed in source but generally lower than Odisha)