The Ministry of Coal's South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has initiated a community engagement program through 'Sneh Milan Mela' to promote stronger ties with local communities in its Surajpur district, Chhattisgarh operations. This novel approach involves gathering SECL employees, family members, and nearby villagers for cultural programs that emphasize unity and social messages such as drug deaddiction. The event serves not only as a celebration of inclusivity but also aims to facilitate collaboration crucial for smoother land acquisition processes required in the mining sector.
As part of its commitment to community welfare, SECL has distributed employment letters to 86 local youth directly impacted by land acquisitions in the Mahamaya Open Cast project area. This initiative is concurrent with Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy's emphasis on grassroots engagement and worker welfare.
SECL is currently engaged in expanding its operations through three flagship mega projects: Gevra, Dipka, and Kusmunda. The event 'Sneh Milan Mela' exemplifies SECL's comprehensive view of development that includes community trust alongside operational efficiency to drive sustainable long-term progress.
In the fiscal year 2024-25 alone, SECL provided employment to 807 people as a result of land acquisition activities, marking an unprecedented figure in their history and demonstrating their dedication towards inclusive, sustainable growth.
SECL's CMD, Shri Harish Duhan views this commitment far beyond mining operations; improving the quality of life for communities through sustainable employment is seen as equally vital to their mission.
In summary, SECL employs collaborative community engagement activities such as 'Sneh Milan Mela' and provides localized employment to build trust and ensure smoother land acquisition processes in support of their strategic expansions.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Coal: The Indian government ministry responsible for coal and mining operations.
SECL: South Eastern Coalfields Limited, the organization hosting the Sneh Milan Mela.
Sneh Milan Mela: A community relations event organized by SECL.
Surajpur district: Location in Chhattisgarh, India where the Sneh Milan Mela was held.
Chhattisgarh: The Indian state where the Surajpur district is located.
Bhatgaon Area: The area under SECL where the Sneh Milan Mela was held.
Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy: The Indian government minister responsible for the Ministry of Coal and Mines.
Mahamaya Open Cast Project: A mining project by SECL in the Bhatgaon Area for which land was acquired.
Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade: Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Chhattisgarh.
Government of Chhattisgarh: The state government of Chhattisgarh.
Gevra, Dipka, and Kusmunda: SECL's three flagship mega projects.
FY 202425: The fiscal year during which SECL provided employment to 807 people in lieu of land acquisition.
Shri Harish Duhan: CMD (Chairman and Managing Director) of SECL.
Ministry of Coal
SECL Organizes First ‘Sneh Milan Mela to Build
Stronger Community Relations
Initiative Aims to Foster Local Cooperation for
Smoother Land Acquisition and Accelerated
Development in Mining Areas
Employment Letters Issued to 86 Local Youths as
Part of Inclusive Growth Efforts
Posted On: 08 MAY 2025 6:46PM by PIB Delhi
In a novel initiative to foster goodwill and deeper engagement with local communities, South Eastern
Coalfields Limited (SECL) recently organized its first-ever ‘Sneh Milan Mela’ in Surajpur district of
Chhattisgarh under its Bhatgaon Area.
The event, which brought together SECL employees, their families, and nearby villagers, is part of SECL’s
broader approach to build trust and cooperation essential for smooth land acquisition to facilitate the
expansion of mining operations.
The vibrant gathering featured cultural performances, including songs, dances, and a highlight puppet act with
the social message of drug de-addiction. Women employees and local participants set up food stalls offeringtraditional cuisines, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Over 600 attendees including SECL employees, and
members of nearby communities joined the celebration, which emphasized unity and shared progress.
The Mela aligns with the vision of Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy who during his
recent visit to SECL reached out to people on ground zero, had lunch with coal miners and underscored the
importance of grassroots engagement and worker welfare.
As part of its ongoing rehabilitation efforts, SECL also distributed employment letters to 86 local youths
affected by land acquisition for the Mahamaya Open Cast Project in Bhatgaon Area.The appointment letters were presented at a formal event graced by Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, Minister for
Women and Child Development, Government of Chhattisgarh. She praised SECL’s initiatives to empower
affected families and called on youth to contribute to the region’s growth.
SECL is actively working to expand its operations, particularly in its three flagship mega projects Gevra,
Dipka, and Kusmunda which together contribute over 70% of the company’s coal production. Facilitating
community cooperation is key to these expansions.
In FY 2024–25 alone, SECL provided employment to 807 people in lieu of land acquisition, the highest such
figure in the company’s history underscoring its commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth.
SECL CMD Shri Harish Duhan said, “At SECL, our mission goes beyond mining. We are deeply committed
to improving the lives of people in our operational areas through sustained employment and community
engagement. Events like Sneh Milan Mela reflect our holistic approach to development where building trust
with communities is as vital as operational efficiency in driving long-term progress.”
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Shuhaib T
(Release ID: 2127766)