GMDC board approves land and R&R plan for Baitarni-West coal mine in Odisha

The Board of Directors of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC) has officially approved a groundbreaking Land and Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) plan for its Baitarni-West coal mine in Odisha. This decision earmarks an important milestone for GMDC, indicating a significant leap towards the early operationalization of the mine, which boasts a Peak Rated Capacity (PRC) of 15 million tonnes per annum, making it one of India’s largest and among the top 20 coal-producing mines in terms of annual production capacity.

Key Points of the Land and R&R Plan Approval:

– The approval signifies GMDC’s commitment to balancing industrial development with energy security and socio-economic considerations in Odisha and Gujarat.

– Baitarni-West, with a mineable reserve of 468 million tonnes, stands as a testament to GMDC’s efforts towards contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by enhancing the country’s self-reliance in coal production.

– The comprehensive Land and R&R plan is meticulously designed to address the socio-economic dynamics of the affected areas, aiming to ensure equitable benefits for local communities. The plan involves the acquisition of approximately 154.3 Ha of government land and 199.86 Ha of private land, alongside a detailed compensation and employment framework to support the 1500 affected families.

GMDC’s initiatives in the Angul region, including the introduction of the mobile medical unit “Jan Chikitsa Seva,” which offers free medical services at the doorsteps of local communities, underscore the company’s dedication to community welfare. Efforts to improve educational facilities, sports complexes, access to safe drinking water, and support for specially-abled individuals further exemplify GMDC’s comprehensive approach to corporate social responsibility.

The strategic approval of the Land and R&R plan by GMDC’s Board of Directors not only paves the way for the operationalization of one of India’s largest coal mines but also highlights the company’s forward-thinking approach to managing the socio-economic impacts of such large-scale industrial projects. This initiative is a significant step towards ensuring energy security for Gujarat and fostering industrial prosperity in Odisha, setting a benchmark for responsible resource management and community engagement in the mining sector.