New Delhi: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) planted more than 3.20 lakh saplings across its operational areas in a single day on Monday as part of Coal India Limited’s nationwide plantation campaign.
The initiative was organized with the objective of setting a Guinness World Records benchmark for the highest number of trees planted in a single day.
The large-scale plantation drive reflects SECL’s commitment towards environmental conservation, sustainable mining practices, and increasing green cover in areas surrounding its mining operations.
Bilaspur Gets Its First Miyawaki Forest With 15,000 Saplings
As part of the plantation campaign, SECL developed Bilaspur city’s first Miyawaki forest at Koni, behind the New Commissioner Office.
Around 15,000 saplings were planted across 1.5 hectares of land using the Miyawaki afforestation technique, which is known for creating dense forests in a shorter period compared to traditional plantation methods.
The newly developed urban forest is expected to:
- Increase biodiversity
- Expand green cover in the city
- Improve local environmental conditions
- Support ecological balance in the region
SECL stated that the Miyawaki forest will contribute to creating a greener and healthier urban environment in the coming years.
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Senior Officials Participate in Plantation Campaign
The plantation drive was led by SECL Chairman and Managing Director Harish Duhan.
Several senior officials attended the event, including:
- Bilaspur Divisional Commissioner Sunil Kumar Jain
- Director (HR) Biranchi Das
- Director (Finance) D. Sunil Kumar
- Chief Vigilance Officer Himanshu Jain
- Director (Technical/P&P) Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra
- Coal India Executive Director K. Rajashekhar
- General Manager (Environment) Sanjay Sinha
- Other senior officials of SECL
The participation of senior officials highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability in the company’s operational strategy.
SECL Highlights Importance of Environmental Protection
Speaking during the plantation programme, SECL CMD Harish Duhan said that environmental protection is a collective responsibility towards future generations.
He emphasized that forests developed through the Miyawaki method will play an important role in:
- Increasing green cover
- Conserving biodiversity
- Maintaining ecological balance
- Reducing the impact of climate change
He added that such initiatives will support the development of a greener and more sustainable future.
Plantation Campaign Supports Sustainable Mining Goals
SECL said the plantation initiative is part of its broader commitment towards sustainable mining and environmental responsibility.
The campaign aligns with Coal India’s larger nationwide afforestation programme, which is being carried out simultaneously across all subsidiary companies.
Through large-scale plantation activities, SECL aims to improve environmental resilience while balancing coal production with ecological conservation.
Focus on Green Development Around Mining Areas
The plantation drive demonstrates SECL’s efforts to restore and enhance green spaces around its operational regions.
The company has been undertaking various environmental initiatives aimed at:
- Reducing ecological impact
- Promoting biodiversity conservation
- Improving air quality
- Supporting sustainable development practices
The creation of the Miyawaki forest in Bilaspur is expected to become an important example of urban afforestation and environmental improvement.
About South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is one of the largest coal-producing subsidiaries of Coal India Limited. Headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, SECL operates coal mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The company plays a significant role in India’s energy sector while focusing on sustainable mining, environmental protection, and community development initiatives.
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