Latest news with #HarishDuhan
India Gazette
5 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
SECL's mine water fuels farmers' prosperity in Chhattisgarh
Koriya/Surajpur (Chhattisgarh) [India], June 5 (ANI): South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, is revolutionizing agriculture in Chhattisgarh by channeling mine water to irrigate over 3,000 hectares of farmland near its collieries in Koriya and Surajpur districts, effectively doubling farmers' incomes through sustainable mining practices. SECL's innovative 'Mine Water Utilisation' program harnesses groundwater from its underground and open-cast mines and treats it for agricultural use. This initiative has reduced farmers' reliance on monsoon rains, enabling year-round cultivation of crops such as paddy, wheat, and horticultural produce. The program aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of doubling farmers' incomes, fostering rural prosperity. Talking exclusively to ANI, Harish Duhan, SECL's Chairman-cum-Managing Director, said, 'SECL is committed to supporting local communities by providing mine water for irrigation. This has enabled farmers to grow two crops annually, doubling their agricultural income and reducing dependency on monsoons.' At the Jagannathpur Open Cast Project, SECL discharges approximately 2,659 cubic meters of groundwater daily. After treatment in sedimentation tanks, this water irrigates around 500 acres (300 hectares) of farmland. Similarly, near Navapara mines, over 3,000 hectares benefit from this initiative. The water is channelled through canals to nearby villages, supporting agricultural activities and improving economic conditions. Dilip Bobde, SECL's Area General Manager for Bhatgaon, explained, 'Groundwater from our mines is collected, treated, and supplied to villages for farming after obtaining necessary permissions from the Central Ground Water Board. This water is also used for dust suppression and machine operations within the mines, with the surplus directed to community irrigation.' Budhram Rajwade, a farmer from Latori village, shared, 'Earlier, we depended solely on rainwater, but now, with mine water supplied through canals, 7-8 villages are benefiting. We can grow crops year-round, significantly improving our financial status.' Another farmer, Ganesh Ram Rajwade, added, 'In the past, scanty rainfall often damaged our crops. Now, with mine water, we cultivate double crops and horticultural produce, boosting our income from Rs. 1-1.5 lakh to Rs. 2-2.5 lakh annually.' Under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, SECL has also launched a Rs. 99.60 lakh Farmers' Community Irrigation Project in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district. This lift irrigation system, drawing water from the Tura Nala and Mahan River, irrigates 70-80 acres per unit in villages like Chaura, Duppi, and Paraswarkala. Farmers contribute Rs. 25 per acre monthly to sustain the system, which is implemented in collaboration with the District Administration. Bidya Nath Jha, AGM for Baikunthpur, noted, 'We have approached the District Collector to ensure mine water is used for community purposes, such as drinking or agriculture, after proper testing. SECL is ready to fund these efforts through CSR or other resources.' SECL's mine water utilisation program exemplifies sustainable mining, transforming coal-rich regions into agricultural hubs. By empowering farmers and fostering economic growth, SECL is setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship and community development in Chhattisgarh. (ANI)
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SECL signs $823m agreement for large-scale coal production utilising paste fill technology
South Eastern Coalfields (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has entered into a Rs70.4bn ($823.6m) agreement with TMC Mineral Resources to deploy paste fill technology for coal production over the next 25 years at the Singhali underground coal mine in Korba, Chhattisgarh. SECL will be the first coal public sector undertaking (PSU) in India to adopt paste fill technology, a move that signifies a shift towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices. This technology is expected to yield approximately 8.4 million tonnes (mt) of coal from the Singhali underground coal mine. SECL chairman and managing director Harish Duhan said: "I firmly believe that paste fill technology will not only secure the future of underground mining but also offer an innovative, eco-friendly solution. This project is a landmark step toward green mining and will shape the future of the coal industry in the years to come." Paste filling is an advanced underground mining technique that negates the need for surface land acquisition. Post coal extraction, the voids are filled with a paste composed of fly ash, crushed overburden from opencast mines, cement, water, and binding agents. This method not only prevents land subsidence but also maintains the structural integrity of the mine. The process incorporates industrial waste materials, thereby promoting environmental sustainability and waste recycling. The Singhali mine, operational since 1993, currently holds 8.45mt of G-7 grade non-coking coal reserves and was initially developed using the Bord and Pillar method. The densely populated surface area above the mine, with villages, high-tension electricity lines, and a Public Works Department road, has made traditional caving methods impractical due to safety and environmental concerns. Paste fill technology enables mining to continue without disrupting the surface structures. The application of this technology at Singhali is anticipated to set a precedent for restarting operations in other underground mines facing similar land constraints. In March 2024, SECL secured environmental clearance for its Gevra mine, which is also located in the Korba area. "SECL signs $823m agreement for large-scale coal production utilising paste fill technology" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
