New Delhi: NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the District Administration, Sambalpur, for the preservation, environmental protection and upkeep of the birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai at Khinda in Odisha.
The agreement was signed on September 19, 2026, and will remain effective for three years. Under the MoU, NLC India will provide financial assistance of ₹1,01,08,494 towards the maintenance and preservation of the heritage site.
The initiative seeks to support the upkeep of the historically significant site while contributing to environmental protection and improved facilities for the surrounding community.
NLC India to Provide ₹1.01 Crore for Heritage Site
As part of the agreement, NLCIL will provide ₹1.01 crore in financial assistance for activities related to the preservation and maintenance of Veer Surendra Sai’s birthplace.
The funding will support several activities at the Khinda site, including:
- Cleanliness and sanitation
- Landscaping and gardening
- Environmental protection
- Watch and ward services
- Other essential maintenance activities
The District Administration, Sambalpur, will oversee the implementation of the activities and maintenance of the site.
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MoU Signed at Sambalpur Collectorate
The MoU was signed at the Collectorate in Sambalpur by Jagadish Chandra Mazumdar, Executive Director, Talabira II & III OCP, NLC India, and Pritam Kumar Tanty, Block Development Officer, Rengali, Sambalpur.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Collector and District Magistrate, Sambalpur, the Commissioner of Sambalpur Municipal Corporation, and the Chief General Manager of NLC India, along with other officials.
The agreement establishes a three-year framework for supporting the preservation and upkeep of the heritage site.
Khinda Birthplace Holds Historical Significance
The birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai at Khinda is regarded as an important heritage site in Western Odisha, with historical and cultural significance.
Veer Surendra Sai is associated with Odisha’s history of resistance against British rule. The preservation of his birthplace is therefore intended to help maintain an important part of the region’s historical heritage.
The site is located near Talabira II & III OCP, making its upkeep relevant to communities in and around the project area.
Focus on Cleanliness, Environment and Site Maintenance
The financial support under the MoU will cover activities required to maintain the heritage premises and its surrounding environment.
Cleanliness and sanitation measures, landscaping and gardening activities will contribute to maintaining the site in an orderly condition. The agreement also provides for environmental protection measures and watch and ward services.
By supporting these activities over a three-year period, NLC India and the Sambalpur district administration aim to ensure continued maintenance rather than limiting the intervention to a one-time activity.
NLC India-Sambalpur MoU: Key Details
- Company: NLC India Limited
- Partner: District Administration, Sambalpur
- Heritage Site: Birthplace of Veer Surendra Sai, Khinda
- MoU Date: September 19, 2026
- Agreement Period: Three years
- Financial Assistance: ₹1,01,08,494
- Location: Sambalpur, Odisha
- Focus Areas: Heritage preservation, environmental protection and maintenance
CSR Support for Heritage and Community Development
The initiative adds a heritage-preservation component to NLC India’s broader community-oriented activities in areas surrounding its operations.
The location of the Khinda heritage site near Talabira II & III OCP also provides a local context for NLCIL’s support, particularly for communities in the surrounding project area.
The three-year arrangement is expected to provide continued financial support for basic maintenance, environmental upkeep and security-related activities at the site.
About NLC India Limited
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Coal. The company is engaged in lignite and coal mining, power generation and renewable energy activities, with operations and projects across multiple states. NLCIL also undertakes community development and CSR initiatives in areas around its operational projects.
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