Sundaragada: A public hearing for the proposed Meenakshi Coal Mine of Hindalco Industries Limited, under Aditya Birla Group, received strong support from local villagers, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and other members of the community.
The public hearing, held at Kiripsira village in Hemgir Block, was conducted in the presence of Sundaragada ADM Abhimanyu Majhi, Sub-Collector Tejaswini Behera, Regional Officer of OSPCB, Jharsuguda Er. Hiranya Kumar Nayak, and other government officials.
The hearing process was peaceful and orderly, with participants expressing hope that the project will result in significant socio-economic transformation to the region.
There was participation from residents of Kiripsira, Garjanbahal, Bangurakela and other nearby villages, who expressed support for the proposed coal mine and highlighted its potential to create employment and livelihood opportunities as well as accelerate development in Sundaragada district.
Sharing details of the project, Meenakshi Coal Mine Head Mukesh Kumar Jha said the proposed Meenakshi Coal Mine, located in the villages of Kiripsira, Garjanbahal and Bangurakela under Hemgir Tehsil of Odisha’s Sundaragada district, is part of the Ib Valley Coalfields.
“Spread over an area of 486.44 hectares, the project will be an open-cast coal mine with an annual production capacity of 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The estimated project cost is 1,876 crore. The coal mine was allocated to Hindalco Industries Limited by the Ministry of Coal on December 27, 2024,” Jha informed.
Besides generating substantial direct employment opportunities, the project will create a significant number of indirect employment opportunities through transportation, logistics, equipment maintenance, contractual activities, afforestation, retail, food services and other allied activities. Such economic activities are expected to benefit drivers, skilled workers, service providers, micro and small enterprises and local entrepreneurs.
Beyond employment and income generation, the project is also expected to contribute to community development through statutory payments, including revenue share, royalty, DMF and NMET, along with CSR initiatives.
“Hindalco has proposed several environmental protection measures, including dust suppression measures, scientific overburden management, water treatment and reuse, a 100 KLD sewage treatment plant, a 50 KLD effluent treatment plant, and a 248.87-hectare green belt and afforestation programme using native species,” said Saubhagya Tripathy, Deputy Head, Corporate Affairs of Hindalco.
“Hindalco is committed to responsible mining practices and sustainable development, with a strong focus on environmental protection, wildlife conservation, community welfare and full statutory compliance,” he added.
Local Sarpanch Rebati Chhatria said people want development that benefits the local community. “We believe this project will make a significant contribution towards creating employment, generating income and improving public amenities in the area.”