Kolkata: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) organised a two-day training-cum-workshop on “Ground Water Regulation and Control” at its headquarters in Sambalpur in association with the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), New Delhi, and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), South Eastern Region, Bhubaneswar.
The programme brought together experts, government officials and industry representatives to improve understanding of groundwater regulations, compliance requirements and sustainable groundwater management practices.
CGWA and CGWB Officials Participate in Workshop
The inaugural session was attended by Mr. Pratul Saxena, Member Secretary, CGWA, as the Chief Guest and Mr. Bikram Kumar Sahoo, Regional Director, CGWB, Bhubaneswar, as the Guest of Honour.
Scientists and officials from CGWA and CGWB participated in the programme along with representatives from:
- Various industries
- Coal India Limited
- Coal India subsidiaries
- MCL’s Area General Managers
- Other concerned officials and stakeholders
The participation of different stakeholders provided a common platform to discuss groundwater-related regulatory requirements and challenges.
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MCL CMD Highlights Importance of Groundwater Management
Addressing the workshop, MCL CMD Mr. Uday A. Kaole emphasised the importance of greater clarity and proactive compliance in groundwater management.
He highlighted MCL’s significant contribution to India’s coal production, noting that the company contributes more than 21% of the nation’s coal production.
Given the scale of its mining operations, he stressed the need for responsible groundwater management and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Workshop Covers Groundwater Guidelines and Compliance
The two-day programme featured expert sessions covering various aspects of groundwater regulation and management.
Key topics discussed included:
- Groundwater guidelines and amendments
- Mine-related applications
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) compliance
- Groundwater charges
- Environmental Clearance (EC)
- Penalties and regulatory requirements
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requirements and evaluation
- BhuNeer App
- New and renewal applications
- Other modules related to groundwater regulation
The sessions were aimed at helping participants better understand the regulatory framework and procedures applicable to groundwater use and management.
Interactive Sessions Focus on Sustainable Groundwater Management
The workshop also included interactive sessions, discussions and feedback sessions.
These provided participants with an opportunity to raise issues, seek clarification from experts and exchange views on groundwater regulation and compliance.
The programme aimed to strengthen regulatory understanding among stakeholders while promoting more responsible and sustainable approaches to groundwater management.
About MCL
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) is a major coal-producing subsidiary of Coal India Limited and operates coal mines primarily in Odisha. The company plays an important role in meeting India’s coal requirements and supporting the country’s energy security, while focusing on safety, environmental management and sustainable mining practices.
