Nagpur: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), Nagpur Area, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur Division, Government of Maharashtra, to implement a CSR project focused on establishing controlled-condition mushroom cultivation infrastructure.
The MoU was signed on August 20, 2026, for implementation at Pauni Range, Ramtek Tehsil, Nagpur Forest Division.
WCL to Provide ₹35.39 Lakh CSR Assistance
Under the initiative, WCL Nagpur Area will provide one-time CSR assistance of ₹35.39 lakh for developing the mushroom cultivation infrastructure.
The project aims to promote:
- Sustainable livelihood opportunities
- Skill development
- Local entrepreneurship
- Supplementary income generation
- Community-based economic development
The initiative will have a particular focus on communities living in human-wildlife conflict-prone areas.
Read also: Western Coalfields Signs MoU with BAIF to Boost Rural Livelihoods of 4,800 Families in Nagpur
Mushroom Cultivation Project to Benefit 40+ Villages
The CSR initiative is expected to benefit communities across more than 40 villages, including Pauni, Hiwrabazar, Salai and adjoining areas.
The project will create opportunities for local residents to develop new livelihood skills and explore mushroom cultivation as a sustainable source of supplementary income.
Scientific Training to Support Sustainable Livelihoods
As part of the initiative, local communities will receive scientific training in mushroom cultivation, farm management and related practices.
The training is intended to equip beneficiaries with practical skills that can support long-term livelihood opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship at the community level.
The controlled-condition cultivation infrastructure is also expected to serve as a long-term community asset, supporting continued livelihood generation beyond the initial CSR intervention.
WCL and Nagpur Forest Division Sign MoU
The MoU was formally signed by:
- Mr. Harshad Datar, Area General Manager, WCL Nagpur Area
- Dr. Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur Forest Division (Territorial)
The collaboration between WCL and the Nagpur Forest Division is aimed at combining CSR support with community-focused livelihood development in forest-fringe areas.
Focus on Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship
The initiative seeks to provide communities with an alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunity through scientific mushroom cultivation.
By combining infrastructure support with skill development and farm-management training, the project is expected to help beneficiaries generate supplementary income while building local entrepreneurship.
About Western Coalfields Limited
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited engaged in coal mining and production. Headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, WCL operates coal mines across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and contributes to the country’s energy requirements while undertaking various CSR and community development initiatives.
Read also: Western Coalfields to Provide ₹2 Crore CSR Aid for Sevanand School Development in Koradi
