Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) is gearing up to start coal mining operations in the Naini Block of Odisha within the next three months. This development follows a series of high-level meetings between SCCL officials and top state officials of Odisha, including Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Principal Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Sushant Nanda.
During a meeting with the Chief Secretary in Bhubaneswar, SCCL Chairman and Managing Director N. Balaram reported that all necessary permissions and clearances for the Naini Block had been obtained. He highlighted that SCCL has fulfilled all mandated measures, including those required for the second-phase forest clearance. Additionally, SCCL has deposited ₹39 crore for wildlife management in the coal block area and a total of ₹180 crore with the Odisha government for various requirements.
Balaram requested the transfer of 783 hectares of forest land in the mining area to facilitate the commencement of mining operations. In response, Chief Secretary Jena assured full cooperation and directed the concerned authorities to expedite the transfer of forest land.
In a subsequent meeting with Principal Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma, Balaram outlined SCCL’s plans to establish a 2×800 megawatt thermal power project near the Naini coal block. He emphasized that the coal mined from Naini would be utilized for this power project, which is to be located 50 km from the mines. Mr. Balaram sought cooperation in acquiring 800 acres of land needed for the power project. Principal Secretary Sharma, who also chairs the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation, assured his support for the initiative.
Later, the SCCL team met PCCF Sushant Nanda, requesting the transfer of the forest land in the Naini area to commence coal mining operations within the proposed timeframe. The SCCL delegation included General Manager of Naini T. Srinivasa Rao and other officials from the Naini coal mine.
With assurances of cooperation from the Odisha government, SCCL is on track to initiate coal mining in the Naini Block and establish a significant thermal power project, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion efforts.
