Bhubaneswar : For the first time in the history of Mahanadi Coalfield Limited(MCL) in Odisha, a village has been handed over to the company without any obstruction by the villagers
and in one go to facilitate coal mining operations.
MCL CMD P K Sinha has appreciated efforts of the state administration in developing “mutual
trust among all stakeholders”, including Bhalugadia villagers at Talcher in Angul district of Odisha
and facilitating smooth transition of coal bearing land to the company in the interest of the nation.
“It is indeed an unparalleled and satisfying moment to experience the level of mutual trust
developed among all the stakeholders,” Mr Sinha said while expressing his gratitude towards
villagers of Bhalugadia for showing their confidence and cooperation.
The CMD also congratulated Angul district administration and local management of MCL’s
Hingula Area for developing such a synergy to generate mutual trust among all the stakeholders.
Bhalugadia, a compact village spread over around 17 hectare coal bearing land in Talcher
coalfields, had 288 families.The village was acquired under Coal Bearing Act(CBA) by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, mandated for coal mining in Odisha.
The local Hingula Area management of MCL, with an active support and guidance of Odisha
state administration, was able to create an environment of mutual trust among peripheral villagers
that they voluntarily handed over their homestead land to the company.
Recently, the General Manager of local command Hingula Area organised a thanksgiving
ceremony for the residents of Bhalugadia village for setting an example of “obstruction free”
eviction from homestead land for coal mining purpose.
It was nevertheless a unique agreement based on mutual trust among the stakeholders – local population and their leadership, district administration and the mining company – to contribute in
unison for development of the nation.
The 17 hectare of land made available by Bhalugadia villagers would enable MCL to excavate
21 million tonnes of dry fuel.
As per R&R policy of Odisha government, MCL offers a permanent job in company to each
eligible member of landowners’ families besides attractive monetary compensation to
beneficiaries against the land acquired and 10 decimal land or equivalent cost for rehabilitation
and resettlement.
MCL, the second largest coal producing company in the country, is also the top contributor
to Odisha state under CSR.
UNI
