The Business Bytes
Chhendipada/Angul, September 24, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a major milestone for the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), the public hearing for environmental clearance of its proposed 15 MTPA Baitarani-West Coal Project was successfully completed on Tuesday at Chhendipada, Angul.
The hearing took place near the Jagannath temple grounds, where a large number of villagers from the project-affected areas gathered to express their support for the development.
Presided over by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Angul, Pratap Pritimaya, the meeting saw enthusiastic participation from local residents. Most notably, the affected villagers voiced their approval for the project, which promises significant socio-economic development for the region. Ramesh Kumar Ekka, Regional Officer of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Angul, facilitated the public hearing.
In his opening address, Swagat Ray, General Manager of GMDC, provided a detailed overview of the proposed coal project, emphasizing its potential benefits. GMDC plans to invest Rs 4,445 crore in the Baitarani-West project, which is set to create 1,752 direct employment opportunities, prioritizing the local population. Moreover, the project is expected to generate thousands of indirect jobs and spur local business activity, providing a significant economic boost to the region.
The company also outlined its commitment to environmental sustainability, pledging to implement extensive pollution control measures and conduct regular environmental monitoring. Ray reassured the public that massive tree plantation drives will be undertaken as part of GMDC’s efforts to minimize the project’s environmental impact.
During the public hearing, villagers welcomed the proposed coal project with optimism. Many took the opportunity to present their demands, major among them the assurance that local residents would be given priority in job placements. The villagers also called for increased Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending by GMDC to support the all-round development of the affected areas.
In response, GMDC representatives assured the public that improving the socio-economic conditions of the region was a top priority. Through CSR initiatives, the company pledged to invest in local infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other essential services. Furthermore, the use of state-of-the-art technology was promised to control and reduce the environmental impact of the coal mining operations.
The public hearing was attended by several prominent figures, including Chhendipada MLA Agasti Behera, Chhendipada Sarpanch Sudipta Pradhan, and Chief General Manager of GMDC HK Joshi. Other notable attendees included Odisha Head of GMDC Lt. General Sanjiv Sharma, Baitarani-West Coal Project Chief Brigadier Manu Mehrotra, and General Manager BK Mahato.
The Baitarani-West Coal Project is planned to be developed across several key areas, including Chhendipada Jungle, Handigoda, Podapada Jungle, Podapada, Machhakuta, Machhakuta Jungle, and Tentuloi-Kodasahi. Once operational, the project is expected to significantly contribute to the state’s energy needs while also driving local development.
With the successful completion of the public hearing and overwhelming support from the local populace, the Baitarani-West Coal Project is now set to move forward, marking a crucial step in GMDC’s expansion into Odisha’s coal-rich belt.
