Public hearings for Kulda OCP successfully concluded in Sundergarh

February 24 2025: The public hearings for the proposed expansion of the Kulda opencast project (OCP) under Basundhara Area of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) were successfully concluded across five locations in Sundergarh district of Odisha. Held between February 18 and February 20, 2025, the hearings were conducted under the directions of the hon’ble High Court of Orissa, with a focus on the expansion of the mining area from 634.205 hectares to 921.305 hectares.

The public hearings took place in various villages, including Siarmal, Baliga, Bankibahal, Saradega and Tumulia, where people gathered to share their valuable opinions on environmental and pollution control measures. Under the chairmanship of Shri Abhimanyu Majhi, Additional District Magistrate of Sundargarh and with the active involvement of Shri Hiranya Kumar Nayak, Regional Officer of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Jharsuguda, the hearings witnessed healthy community engagement.

Key administrative officials, including Mr Dasarathi Sarabu, Sub-Collector of Sundargarh, Shri Bikash Ranjan Parida, Tahsildar of Hemgir and Shri PB Reddy, General Manager of Basundhara Area, MCL attended the meeting. Shri Reddy highlighted MCL’s proactive steps to mitigate dust pollution and improve the living conditions of nearby communities. Company's future plans to continue enhancing environmental safeguards were further discussed.

The hearings were attended by residents of nearby villages such as Baliga, Bankibahal, Siaramal, Tetelgadi, Tumulia, Pharakbahal, Kundaren and Saradega. The villagers expressed their concerns and offered valuable suggestions regarding pollution control, as well as raised demands related to infrastructure development such as lighting, drinking water and sanitation.

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The hearing was peacefully conducted by the district administration and police, except for some disturbances before the beginning of the hearing in Tumulia village on February 20, 2025, where some people with vested interests obstructed the road leading to the hearing venue. Since the district authorities amicably removed the road obstructions, many more residents from Tumulia and surrounding villages attended the hearing, providing their input and participating in the process.

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In his concluding remarks at Barapada ground in Tumulia which witnessed the highest participation of villagers, Shri PB Reddy expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people for their cooperation and active participation in the public hearings. He also thanked the Sundergarh district administration, police and the officers from the SPCB for their efforts in ensuring the successful conduct of the hearings.

“As a socially and environmentally responsible company, MCL advocates for the welfare of peripheral communities, and as a result of cooperation from people today the company is a key player in India’s energy sector,” said Shri Reddy.

“We are proud of the fact that MCL continues to provide the best compensation in the industry and invest in the welfare of peripheral people,” General Manager said, emphasising efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable energy production while addressing the needs and concerns of the people living around the operational areas.

The successful conclusion of these public hearings marks an important step toward expanding the Kulda project, which will contribute to the country’s energy needs while safeguarding the interests of the local population. The district administration, along with the people of Sundergarh, has once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the growth and development of both the region and the nation.

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