Chandrapur: In a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has sanctioned ₹2.00 Crores to support the desilting and cleaning of the Erai River in Chandrapur, Maharashtra. This move is aimed at mitigating flood risks during the monsoon season, improving sanitation, and addressing long-standing environmental and public health concerns linked to river pollution and stagnation.
District-Led River Cleaning Drive Underway
The District Administration of Chandrapur had launched a comprehensive river rejuvenation campaign from 25th April to 10th June 2025, focusing on the Erai River stretch from Chandrapur City to its confluence with the Wardha River. The initiative was designed to counteract water stagnation, reduce pollution, and prepare the area ahead of the monsoon to avoid potential flooding disasters.
Recognizing the ecological significance and socio-environmental impact of the project, WCL promptly responded to the call for support made by District Collector Vinay Gowda G.C.
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MoU Signed to Cement Commitment
On 9th June 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed between WCL and the Municipal Corporation of Chandrapur at a formal ceremony held at Niyojan Bhavan, Chandrapur. The MoU was executed by:
- Harshad Datar, Area General Manager, Chandrapur Area, representing WCL
- Vipin Paliwal, Commissioner, on behalf of the Municipal Corporation of Chandrapur
This partnership reflects WCL’s proactive stance in community welfare and environmental sustainability.
High-Profile Dignitaries Grace the Occasion
The event witnessed the presence of a host of eminent public representatives and administrative officials, underlining the importance of the mission. Among the attendees were:
- Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Janabai Ramaji Uike, Guardian Minister, Chandrapur
- Smt. Pratibha Suresh Dhanorkar, Member of Parliament, Chandrapur
- Dr. Kirsan Namdeo, Member of Parliament, Gadchiroli–Chimur
- Vijay Namdevrao Wadettiwar, Leader of Opposition, Maharashtra
- Shri KirtiKumar Mitesh Bhangdiya, Shri Kishore Jorgewar, Shri Subhash Dhote, Shri Karan Sanjay Deotale – MLAs
- Shri Sudhakar Govindrao Adbale, Abhijit Govindrao Wanjarri – MLCs
- Pulkit Singh, CEO, Zilla Parishad Chandrapur
- Sudarshan Mummaka, Superintendent of Police, Chandrapur
A History of Environmental Commitment
WCL has maintained a consistent focus on supporting eco-restoration efforts in Chandrapur. Notably, the company had previously allocated ₹5.41 Crores from its Environment Fund for the desilting of the same river, citing similar concerns related to flood control and environmental hazards.
With the current contribution, WCL’s cumulative funding towards the Erai River rejuvenation surpasses ₹7.41 Crores, setting a benchmark in public-private collaboration for ecological restoration.
About WCL
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a Miniratna Cat-1 Public Sector Undertaking and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), a “Maharatna” PSU. WCL primarily engages in coal mining and marketing. Its headquarters are located in Nagpur, Maharashtra. WCL was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1956.
