Nagpur: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has taken a significant step towards sustainable mining and environmental conservation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board for a commercial bamboo plantation project in Maharashtra.
The initiative focuses on eco-friendly post-mining land use and aims to transform overburden dump areas into productive green zones while generating economic benefits for local communities.
Bamboo Plantation Over 19.75 Hectares at Sasti Open Cast Mine
Under the agreement, approximately 21,942 bamboo saplings will be planted across 19.75 hectares of overburden dump land at the Sasti Open Cast Mine in the Ballarpur Area.
Key project highlights include:
- Commercial bamboo plantation on reclaimed mining land
- Eco-restoration of degraded overburden dump areas
- Long-term green cover development in mining zones
WCL will invest around ₹1.33 crore during the initial five years of the project.
15-Year Revenue Sharing Model Between WCL and MBDB
The MoU is structured under a 15-year revenue-sharing framework. As per the agreement:
- 85% of net profit will go to WCL
- 15% will be paid to MBDB as facilitation charges
- Expected payback period is around the 7th year
The Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board will handle plantation development, irrigation, maintenance, harvesting, marketing, and sale of bamboo produce.
Environmental and Social Benefits of the Project
The bamboo plantation initiative is expected to deliver significant environmental and community benefits, including:
- Ecological restoration of mined-out land
- Increased carbon sequestration
- Stabilization of overburden dump slopes
- Reduction of dust pollution
- Development of green buffer zones
- Employment opportunities for Project Affected Persons (PAPs) and local communities
Officials emphasized that bamboo plantations are an effective model for productive post-mining land utilization.
Third MoU Between WCL and MBDB for Bamboo Plantation
This is the third collaboration between WCL and the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board. Earlier projects were implemented successfully at:
- Makardhokra-III Open Cast Mine (30.635 hectares)
- Amalgamated Inder Kamptee Open Cast Mine, Nagpur Area (43.045 hectares)
The latest project further strengthens the ongoing partnership for sustainable mining practices.
Officials Present at Signing Ceremony
The MoU was signed by:
- Mr. Anandji Prasad, Director (Technical/Operations), WCL
- Mr. Kalyan Kumar, Managing Director, Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board
The ceremony was held in the presence of senior leadership, including:
- Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, CMD, WCL
- Mr. Bikram Ghosh, Director (Finance), WCL
- Mr. Sandeep Paranjape, Director (Technical – Projects & Planning), WCL
- Other senior officials and departmental heads
About WCL
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a Miniratna public sector undertaking under Coal India Limited. Headquartered in Nagpur, WCL operates coal mines across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s energy requirements. The company focuses on modern mining technologies, operational efficiency, workplace safety, and sustainable growth to support India’s coal production and energy security goals.
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