Bilaspur, India |The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has assigned Shri Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), the additional charge of Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), according to an official order issued on Friday.
The additional responsibility will come into effect from February 1, 2026, and will remain valid for an initial period of three months or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Shri Duhan has been serving as CMD of SECL since March 27, 2025, and during his tenure, the company has recorded notable progress across several strategic and operational areas. Under his leadership, SECL has made significant advancements in land acquisition, quality coal production, sustainable mining practices, and workplace inclusivity.
One of the major milestones achieved under Shri Duhan’s guidance is SECL becoming the first coal PSU in India to adopt paste-fill technology in underground mines, a significant step toward safer and more sustainable mining operations. The company has also addressed long-pending land acquisition challenges, securing possession of over 250 hectares of land since April 2025, strengthening the foundation for enhanced production capacity in its mega projects.
SECL has also emerged as a frontrunner in women empowerment, commissioning Coal India’s first all-women-operated dispensary and an all-women Central Store Unit, setting new benchmarks in gender inclusivity within the coal sector.
With over 34 years of experience in the coal mining industry, Shri Duhan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from Nagpur University, a First Class Mine Manager’s Certificate, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management. He began his professional career in 1989 with Western Coalfields Limited, making his current additional charge a return to the organization where his journey began.
Over the years, he has held several key leadership positions, including Director (Technical–Operations) at Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Area General Manager at the Nigahi Project of Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), and General Manager (Corporate Project Planning), contributing extensively to large-scale project planning and execution.
Shri Duhan is widely recognized for his expertise in environment-friendly First Mile Connectivity projects, digital transformation initiatives, and solar energy projects, establishing him as a sustainability-focused and future-ready leader in India’s coal sector.