Nagpur: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, along with Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, visited the Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) headquarters today to assess the company’s performance. The review meeting, which focused on coal production, dispatch efficiency, and the welfare of Project Affected People (PAPs), was attended by senior officials, including Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Rupinder Brar, and Chairman of Coal India Limited, P.M. Prasad.
During the review, a detailed presentation highlighted key metrics of WCL’s performance for the first and second quarters of the financial year. G. Kishan Reddy expressed confidence that WCL will meet its annual production targets and emphasized the importance of Coal India Limited (CIL) subsidiaries achieving their goals to fulfill the nation’s growing coal demands.
Addressing the participants, Reddy stressed the need for boosting both current mining operations and launching new projects to achieve India’s self-reliance in the coal sector, as envisioned in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He assured full support from the Ministry of Coal, including assistance with land acquisition and environmental clearances, while encouraging the adoption of modern mining technologies.
Following the review meeting, G. Kishan Reddy recognized the exceptional contributions of sanitation workers during the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024.’ In a heartfelt gesture, the Minister provided financial support to the daughter of late Shri Nunhare, a former sanitation worker, to aid her education and family welfare.
As part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, the Union Minister planted a sapling at the WCL headquarters, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability. He also visited the Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC), a cutting-edge AI-enabled facility designed for mine surveillance and monitoring.
In a significant move, Reddy inaugurated WCL’s newly formed Coal SHAcTE Dal, a specialized team equipped with modern tools and technology to respond swiftly to emergencies in coal mines. This team aims to enhance security by preventing unauthorized access to mining areas.
The visit also saw the launch of the National Center for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER), a dedicated hub for coal-related research and innovation. Additionally, Reddy unveiled WCL’s CSR flagship program ‘Tarash 2.0,’ which will provide coaching for 40 students aspiring to clear IIT-JEE and NEET exams. This initiative offers accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 to selected students.