**Executive Summary**
On July 10, 2026, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) signed its fourth Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB) for a commercial bamboo plantation project at the Dhuptala Opencast Mine. The 15-year initiative involves reclaiming 28 hectares of mine land to diversify revenue streams and promote environmental sustainability. WCL will invest ₹2.57 crore over the first five years, with project payback expected by the eighth year.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Project Scope and Scale**
* The project covers 28 hectares at the Dhuptala Opencast Mine in the Ballarpur Area, bringing WCL’s total bamboo plantation area to over 121 hectares.
* The plantation includes 26 hectares of commercial bamboo and 2 hectares of indigenous species, specifically Jamun and Arjun.
* A total of 31,108 saplings will be planted as part of this agreement.
**Financial and Revenue Model**
* WCL will provide an initial investment of approximately ₹2.57 crore during the first five years.
* A revenue-sharing model is established where WCL receives 85% of the net profit.
* MBDB will receive 15% of the net profit as facilitation charges.
* The project is designed for a 15-year duration, with financial payback anticipated by year eight.
**Operational Responsibilities**
* WCL serves as the primary investor and provider of the reclaimed mine land.
* MBDB is responsible for the execution of the plantation, ongoing maintenance, harvesting, and marketing of the produce.
**Environmental and Social Objectives**
* The initiative aims to create sustainable non-coal revenue streams for WCL.
* Environmental goals include ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and biodiversity enhancement.
* The project is intended to generate employment opportunities for local communities, specifically targeting Project Affected Persons.
**Impact Analysis**
**Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)**
**Impact**
WCL advances its commitment to sustainable mining and environmental stewardship while diversifying its income through a significant 85% share of net profits from non-coal sources.
**Action Required**
Must provide the designated 28 hectares of reclaimed land and fulfill the investment commitment of ₹2.57 crore over the initial five-year period.
**Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB)**
**Impact**
MBDB secures a long-term management role and a 15% share of net profits as facilitation charges.
**Action Required**
Must manage the full lifecycle of the project, including the planting of 31,108 saplings, maintenance, harvesting, and the eventual marketing of the bamboo.
**Local Communities / Project Affected Persons**
**Impact**
These stakeholders benefit from ecological improvements such as soil conservation and the creation of new local employment opportunities.
**Action Required**
No specific action is required, as they are designated beneficiaries of the project’s employment and environmental outcomes.
Key Entities Referenced
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL): The primary entity and land provider that signed the MoU to undertake commercial bamboo plantation for sustainable mining and revenue diversification.
Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB): The technical partner responsible for the plantation, maintenance, harvesting, and marketing of bamboo under the revenue-sharing agreement.
Commercial Bamboo Plantation: The environmental and economic initiative focused on ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation on reclaimed mine land.
Dhuptala Opencast Mine, Ballarpur Area: The specific location of the reclaimed mine land designated for the implementation of the 28-hectare bamboo plantation project.
Ministry of Coal: The administrative ministry overseeing Western Coalfields Limited and the broader sustainable mining policy.
Ministry of Coal
WCL–MBDB Signs Fourth MoU for Commercial
Bamboo Plantation on Reclaimed Mine Land
प्रव तथ: 10 JUL 2026 5:38PM by PIB Mumbai
Nagpur, 10 July 2026
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has signed its fourth Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB), Nagpur, for undertaking commercial
bamboo plantation over 28 hectares of reclaimed mine land at the Dhuptala Opencast Mine in
Ballarpur Area. The initiative reinforces WCL's commitment to sustainable mining, environmental
stewardship and diversification of non-coal revenue streams.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, CMD and Director (Technical), WCL, and Shri
Rishikesh Ranjan, Managing Director, MBDB, in the presence of Shri Bikram Ghosh, Director
(Finance) & Director (HR) and Shri S. S. Paranjape, Director (Technical – Projects & Planning),
WCL.
With this agreement, the cumulative area under commercial bamboo plantation across WCL has
crossed 121 hectares. The Dhuptala project will cover 28 hectares, including 26 hectares under
commercial bamboo and 2 hectares under indigenous species such as Jamun and Arjun, with a
total plantation of 31,108 saplings. WCL will invest approximately ₹ 2.57 crore during the initial
five years, while MBDB will undertake plantation, maintenance, harvesting and marketing.
The 15-year project is expected to achieve payback by the eighth year. Under the revenue-
sharing model, WCL will receive 85 per cent of the net profit, while MBDB will receive 15 per
cent as facilitation charges.
Besides creating a sustainable non-coal revenue stream, the initiative is expected to promote
ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, biodiversity enhancement and
employment opportunities for local communities, particularly Project Affected Persons.* * *
PIB Nagpur | Shubham Gudadhe/Darshana Rane
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