South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India, has undertaken a significant environmental initiative by planting 146,675 saplings across its operational areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh as part of a nationwide plantation drive launched in July 2024. Conducted in 8 districts of Chhattisgarh and 3 districts of Madhya Pradesh, the drive covered over 56 hectares and included the distribution of 25,000 saplings to local communities. This effort was further enhanced under the 2024 “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, during which SECL planted an additional 4,200 saplings, demonstrating its commitment to environmental conservation and public cleanliness.
The company also celebrated its Kusmunda mine’s achievement of 501 lakh tons of coal production by planting 501 saplings in a day, reinforcing its focus on balancing energy production with environmental sustainability.
Looking ahead, SECL plans to invest Rs. 169 crores over the next five years on extensive afforestation efforts in collaboration with the Rajya Van Vikas Nigam. The goal is to plant 26 lakh saplings in Chhattisgarh and 12 lakh in Madhya Pradesh by 2027-28, with a four-year maintenance period for each plantation cycle to ensure sapling survival. Additionally, SECL has introduced the Miyawaki technique, a rapid afforestation method, in a pilot project covering 2 hectares in the Gevra Area. Since its inception, SECL has planted over 3 crore saplings, highlighting its dedication to environmental stewardship across its coal mining areas.
