The Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has initiated a process for regional planning of coal city of Talcher coalfields. 

In his address on the occasion of the Republic Day, MCL CMD BN Shukla said, “The MCL has initiated master planning for Talcher coalfields keeping in view the advancements and necessities of next 25 years.” 

The IIT Kharagpur has been awarded consultancy for this project and it would submit its report by March, Shukla informed in the presence of MCL Directors OP Singh, KK Mishra and Kehsav Rao.

Planned for development as a smart city keeping in view advancements and expected requirements in next 25 years, Talcher would have a congestion-free network for road transport with flyovers, environment, land reclamation and setup for skill development centers and other modern facilities for people.

Shukla also mentioned development of ‘Maa Samleshwari Gardens’ at Hirakud and installation the country’s biggest brass

bell at Mata Ghanteshwari temple site as company’s initiatives to bring Sambalpur on national tourism map.

Coalmining should not hamper on trivial issues, which lead to multi-crore loss to exchequer that can be used for public good, he said.

“India is importing coal at a cost of around Rs 2 crore annually, which is not only causing economic loss to the country but also taking away the job opportunities,” he said.

The MCL would contribute around Rs 1,518 crore in Angul, Rs 798 crore in Jharsuguda and Rs 371 crore in Sundergarh districts’ District Mineral Fund (DFM), Shulka informed while emphasising on the company’s role in providing direct and indirect jobs opportunities in the State.