RAIGARH, Chhattisgarh — The public hearing for the proposed Pelma Open-Cast Coal Mine Project of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) was successfully conducted on Tuesday in Pelma village, drawing large-scale public participation, enthusiastic engagement, and widespread support from local residents and stakeholders.
Held as part of the environmental clearance process mandated under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notification dated September 14, 2006, the hearing provided a platform for local communities to express their views, concerns, and expectations regarding the proposed mining project.
The proceedings were chaired by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Apurva Priyesh Toppo and attended by Manvendra Shekhar Pandey, Regional Officer of the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB). Officials reported that the event was conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and well-organized manner, in accordance with all prescribed environmental regulations and administrative guidelines.
The proposed project covers an area of 2,077.934 hectares and is designed to achieve a production capacity of 15 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The mining operation is expected to directly and indirectly influence several surrounding villages, including Pelma, Urba, Madua Dumar, Lalpur, Hinjhar, Jaridih, Sakta, Milupara, and Kharra.
During the hearing, senior SECL officials presented detailed information about the project, including its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, environmental management measures, and anticipated socio-economic benefits. Community members actively participated in discussions, raising questions and offering suggestions, which were addressed by company representatives.
Many residents expressed optimism about the project’s potential to generate employment opportunities, strengthen local infrastructure, and stimulate economic growth across the region. Village representatives and local leaders emphasized that the project could become a catalyst for long-term development and improved livelihoods.
Participants also acknowledged the contributions made by SECL and its Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) under various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Residents highlighted ongoing investments in education, healthcare, drinking water facilities, community infrastructure, and social welfare programs, noting that these efforts have already contributed to noticeable improvements in living standards.
Women participants particularly praised programs focused on self-employment, skill development, and women’s empowerment, expressing hope that such initiatives would expand further as the project progresses.
Local community members described the public hearing as an important forum that allowed them to engage directly with project stakeholders, share their development priorities, and participate in the decision-making process. The event underscored the significance of community consultation, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive development in major industrial projects.
Officials stated that the hearing concluded successfully with strong public participation, constructive dialogue, and positive community engagement, marking a significant milestone in the environmental approval process for the proposed Pelma Open-Cast Coal Mine Project.
