Ranchi: Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, honored the winners of the Hackathon on “Coal Gasification” during his visit to the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) in Ranchi. Organized by CMPDI, the hackathon focused on six problem statements related to coal gasification, a key process for harnessing natural resources to meet India’s energy and chemical needs while promoting economic independence and environmental sustainability.
The hackathon sought scalable solutions that could be demonstrated or replicated across coal companies. It provided an opportunity for startups, research organizations, and academic institutions to innovate in the area of coal gasification. A total of 34 proposals were submitted, which were reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges from IISc Bengaluru, IIT Hyderabad, CIMFR Dhanbad, CIL Kolkata, and CMPDI Ranchi. The top three participants for each problem statement were felicitated by Minister Dubey.
In his address, Dubey praised CMPDI’s role in advancing technology within the coal sector, noting the institute’s crucial contribution to driving the nation forward. He congratulated the winners for their innovative ideas and highlighted the importance of coal gasification in enhancing India’s energy security.
Also present at the event were Manoj Kumar, CMD of CMPDI, Samiran Dutta, CMD of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Nilendu Kumar Singh, CMD of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), along with other senior officials and employees.
During his visit, the Minister inaugurated several new facilities at CMPDI as part of the Special Campaign 4.0. Among these were three solar trees, each with a capacity of 5kW, symbolizing the push toward renewable energy. Dubey emphasized that such initiatives would raise awareness about the benefits of solar energy.
He also unveiled a “Deer Structure” made from scrap materials under the “Waste to Wealth” theme, part of the government’s efforts to promote sustainable practices. Additionally, the Minister recognized the efforts of “Safai Karmacharis” under the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign and planted a sapling as part of the “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” initiative, reflecting the government’s focus on cleanliness and environmental conservation.
In line with the “Khelo India” initiative, aimed at promoting sports culture and improving health and fitness, Shri Dubey inaugurated a newly constructed badminton court, gymnasium, and four high-mast lights at the CMPDI playground, further enhancing the infrastructure for employees and their families.