New Delhi: Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has launched a major environmental sustainability initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited (WBFDCL) for a large-scale afforestation drive in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal.
Under the partnership, around 2.11 lakh tree saplings will be planted across 95.39 hectares of land during the financial year 2026-27, focusing on ecological restoration in coal mining areas and strengthening green cover in the region.
ECL and WBFDCL Sign MoU for Large-Scale Plantation Drive
The MoU was exchanged during the inauguration ceremony of “Aranya Saptaha 2026” held at Salt Lake, Kolkata.
The agreement was signed by Satish Jha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of ECL, and Harish, IFS, Chief Executive Officer of the Green Projects Wing at WBFDCL.
The initiative reflects ECL’s commitment to balancing mining operations with environmental conservation and sustainable development.
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2.11 Lakh Saplings to Be Planted Across 95.39 Hectares
As per the agreement, ECL will provide financial support and facilitate the plantation of approximately 2.11 lakh seedlings across 95.39 hectares of land in Paschim Bardhaman.
The plantation work will be carried out by the Green Projects Wing of WBFDCL during FY 2026-27.
The project aims to:
- Restore biodiversity in mining-affected areas
- Increase forest cover in West Bengal
- Improve environmental conditions around coal mining zones
- Strengthen climate resilience for local communities
Initiative Aligned with ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign
The afforestation project has been launched under the regional campaign “Ekti Gachh, Maayer Naame!”, which aligns with the national plantation movement “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”.
Through this initiative, ECL and WBFDCL aim to encourage environmental responsibility and promote community participation in tree plantation activities.
Senior Officials Attend MoU Exchange Ceremony
The MoU exchange ceremony was attended by senior government officials and dignitaries, including West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the state Forest Minister, Health Minister, Chief Secretary and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF & HoFF).
ECL Director (Technical) Girish Gopinathan Nair was also present during the event.
The participation of senior officials highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between public sector organisations and forest authorities for environmental protection.
ECL Strengthens Focus on Sustainable Mining Practices
The latest initiative is part of ECL’s broader efforts towards environmental responsibility and sustainable mining practices.
By developing green zones and restoring ecosystems around mining areas, the company aims to reduce environmental impact and contribute towards long-term ecological balance.
About Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)
Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) is a Schedule B Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Coal. It is engaged in coal mining operations primarily in West Bengal and Jharkhand, contributing significantly to India’s coal production and energy sector. ECL plays a key role in supplying coal to power plants and industries across the country while focusing on safe and sustainable mining practices.
