Minister G Kishan Reddy Visits Eastern Coalfields, Highlights Worker Welfare and Sustainability
Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, began his two-day visit to Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) on Friday. His tour covered key coal projects in West Bengal, including the Jhanjra Underground Mine and Sonepur Bazari Open Cast Project (OCP).
The visit focused on strengthening mining operations, supporting workers, and promoting eco-friendly development.
At Jhanjra, Shri Reddy inaugurated “Sindoor Park,” an eco-park named after Operation Sindoor. ECL had carried out the operation earlier this year, gaining praise for safety and environmental care.
The park offers green space for recreation and serves as a symbol of ECL’s commitment to restoring mined-out land. Shri Reddy said, “This park reflects our promise to blend mining with sustainability.”
Empowering Communities and Workers
At RN Colony in the Sonepur Bazari area, the Minister distributed:
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Appointment letters under the compassionate employment scheme
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Tricycles to persons with disabilities
These gestures reflect the government’s intent to ensure care for families affected by mining and improve quality of life in coal regions.
Shri Reddy said, “Our miners build the energy backbone of the nation. It’s our duty to stand with their families at every step.”
Reviewing Mining Operations and Sites
The Minister inspected operations at both underground and open-cast sites.
He interacted with:
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Workers at Jhanjra and Sonepur Bazari
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ECL management teams
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Project Affected Families
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Rehabilitation officials at the Mahudanga site, which he also inaugurated
Shri Reddy discussed production challenges and praised ECL’s work in ensuring safe, productive, and inclusive mining.
Celebrating Yoga Day with ECL Families
On June 21, the Minister will take part in International Yoga Day celebrations at Sindoor Park. The event will include coal workers, families, and local residents.
Organizers said the session will promote well-being and mental fitness, especially for workers who face tough conditions in the mining industry.
A Vision for Responsible Coal Mining
Shri Reddy stressed that India’s coal sector must grow with sustainability. He praised ECL for setting examples in green mining, worker welfare, and community outreach.
“Coal is key to India’s development, but we must protect people and the planet,” he said. “Our goal is energy security with eco-balance.”