The Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey visited SECL on a two-day official visit to its operational areas on 30th June and 01st July 2025. The visit included several significant inaugurations and interactions aimed at strengthening coal production and promoting sustainability, safety, and inclusiveness in mining.

The Minister virtually inaugurated and flagged off a state-of-the-art low-height Continuous Miner machine at the NCPH underground mine in SECL Chirimiri Area today.

Shri Dubey stated, “The coal sector plays a crucial role in building Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, coal shortages have become a thing of the past. Using advanced technologies like Continuous Miner, our goal is to enhance underground coal production and achieve a target of 100 million tonnes from underground mines by 2030.”

He added that the Ministry of Coal is actively promoting modern technologies to boost safe and efficient coal extraction and commended SECL for its adoption of cutting-edge equipment.

The Minister also inaugurated a Main Mechanical Ventilator (MMV) at Churcha Mine in Baikunthpur Area, a critical safety infrastructure to ensure fresh and clean airflow for the underground workforce. In support of women employees, he inaugurated bio-toilets at the mine site and emphasized the growing contribution of women in the coal sector.

A tree was also planted by the Minister on the Churcha Mine campus under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, symbolizing the commitment to environmental sustainability. Later, he felicitated exemplary employees, including women and contract workers, to recognize their dedication and uplift morale.

On arrival in Raipur on the first day of the tour, Shri Dubey paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. The two dignitaries held discussions on expediting land acquisition and rehabilitation for coal project expansions in the state.

At SECL’s Dipka Area, the Minister participated in a plantation drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” at Pragati House, laid the foundation stone for the proposed entrance gate and security complex, and reviewed operational updates at the Dipka View Point. He was given a comprehensive presentation on the mine's performance, productivity, and future growth plans.

He lauded SECL's contributions not only in coal production but also in social responsibility, highlighting impactful CSR initiatives like ‘SECL Ki Dhadkan’ which funds critical heart surgeries for children.

Concluding his visit, the Minister felicitated employees—including women workers—for their exceptional service and visited contract workers’ camps to interact with the workforce and assess their welfare and living conditions.

SECL CMD Shri Harish Duhan, Functional Directors, CVO and other senior officials accompanied the minister during his two-day visit.

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Shuhaib T

(Release ID: 2141309)