Nagpur: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support the restoration and conservation of lakes in Nagpur city.
Under the agreement, WCL will provide financial assistance for the procurement of an Aquatic Weed Removal Machine. The equipment will support the mechanised removal of aquatic weeds and floating waste from lakes, helping improve water quality and promote ecological conservation.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Mr. Bikram Ghosh, Director (Finance & Human Resources), WCL. Mr. Lalit Prakash Tirkey, General Manager (CSR), WCL, and Mr. Rajesh Govindrao Gurmuley, Executive Engineer, NMC, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
WCL to Support Mechanised Lake Cleaning in Nagpur
The Aquatic Weed Removal Machine will help NMC strengthen its ongoing lake cleaning and conservation activities.
The machine is expected to enable the efficient and regular removal of:
- Aquatic weeds
- Floating waste
- Other unwanted material from lake surfaces
The mechanised approach is expected to make lake cleaning efforts more efficient and sustainable while supporting the long-term restoration of Nagpur’s water bodies.
Project to Improve Water Quality and Biodiversity
The initiative is expected to deliver several environmental and community benefits.
The project will contribute to:
- Improved water quality.
- Ecological conservation of lakes.
- Enhanced aquatic biodiversity.
- Better management of floating waste.
- A cleaner and healthier urban environment.
By supporting the removal of invasive aquatic vegetation and waste, the project aims to improve the overall health of Nagpur’s lakes and surrounding ecosystems.
Nagpur Lakes Face Challenges from Aquatic Weeds
Several lakes in Nagpur, including Ambazari Lake, have faced challenges caused by invasive aquatic weeds such as water hyacinth.
The excessive growth of such weeds can:
- Obstruct water flow.
- Affect water quality.
- Impact aquatic ecosystems.
- Create challenges for effective water management.
- Increase flood-related risks during the monsoon.
The new aquatic weed removal machine is expected to strengthen NMC’s ongoing efforts to manage these challenges and ensure more regular and efficient lake cleaning.
WCL Strengthens CSR Focus on Sustainable Development
The MoU is part of WCL’s broader CSR efforts aimed at supporting sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the communities where it operates.
The company undertakes CSR initiatives across areas such as:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Skill development
- Environmental conservation
- Community development
Through the lake restoration initiative, WCL aims to create a positive environmental impact in Nagpur, where the company is headquartered. The partnership with NMC is expected to support the city’s efforts to conserve its water bodies while contributing to a cleaner and healthier urban environment.
About Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a Miniratna public sector undertaking and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, WCL operates coal mines across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and plays a key role in meeting India’s energy needs. Along with its mining operations, the company actively implements Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focused on education, healthcare, skill development, environmental sustainability and community welfare.
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