“Neeti Bindhuvu–Jala Sindhuvu” for Groundwater Recharge
Supply of Irrigation Water to Lands Near OC Mines
Skill Development Centres in Closed Mine Buildings
OC Mine Water Sumps Boosting Groundwater Levels
Medical Camps and Employment Schemes in Every Nearby Village
Systematic Implementation of Mine Closure Plans
CMD Mr. N. Balram Explains Singareni’s Initiatives at International Mining Conference
HYDERABAD, JULY 04, 2025: Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) is conducting its coal mining operations in a way that minimises harm to the environment and benefits nearby communities, said Chairman and Managing Director Mr N. Balram. He emphasised that alongside the company’s growth, Singareni is prioritizing the development of local people and the surrounding areas.
On Friday, at an international conference on “Sustainable and Responsible Mining through Best Mine Closure Practices,” organised by the World Mining Congress in Hyderabad, Mr. Balram presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation on behalf of SCCL explaining the company’s practices. He said SCCL uses environmentally safe mining technologies such as surface miners, in-pit crushers, draglines, continuous miners, and longwall mining. As per regulations, the company is also extensively involved in afforestation, having already planted 77.6 million saplings.
He stated that SCCL strictly implements Mine Closure Plans from the beginning to the closure of mining operations and beyond. The company takes special initiatives to restore the environment, develop surrounding villages, and provide employment opportunities.
Out of the total 1,205 LKL of water discharged from open-cast mines, SCCL uses what it requires and supplies the remaining 820 LKL for local needs. Of this, 465 LKL are directed to nearby irrigation tanks and ponds, while 330 LKL are used by farmers for irrigation. In total, the water supplied by Singareni enables cultivation in about 13,625 acres.
To enhance groundwater recharge, the company has launched the program “Neeti Bindhuvu–Jala Sindhuvu,” under which 62 new mini ponds have been constructed and silt has been removed from 45 old ones. Skill development centres have been established in old mine buildings to provide training and employment opportunities to unemployed youth in nearby areas. Water stored in abandoned OC mine voids has significantly helped improve groundwater levels.
Free employment training programs are being provided for unemployed youth and women in nearby villages, and free monthly mobile medical camps are being conducted.
Mr. Balaram also shared that SCCL has already set up solar plants with a capacity of 245.5 megawatts in its unused lands. Once the second phase of solar installations is completed, Singareni will be recognised as a Net Zero Carbon Emission Company. Solar plants are also being installed on the overburden dumps of OC mines.
For agricultural development in nearby villages, silt has been removed from 20 irrigation tanks. The company also employs locals through large-scale plantations and outsourcing work.
Overall, SCCL remains committed to environmental protection and the welfare and development of local communities. These initiatives will continue. On this occasion, a short documentary was presented highlighting the environmental restoration efforts taken up after the closure of the Dorli-1 Open Cast mine in the Bellampalli area.
Alongside SCCL, other organisations such as Coal India, NLC India Ltd., Tata Steel, Vedanta, Hindalco, NMDC, and some foreign companies also showcased their mine closure plans through PowerPoint presentations.From Singareni, along with the CMD, the following officials participated in the conference: Director (E&M) Mr. D. Satyanarayana Rao, Director (Projects & Planning) Mr. K. Venkateshwarlu, Director (PAW) Mr. Gautham Potru, Executive Director, Coal Movement, Mr. SD.M. Subhani and others were also present..
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