RAIGARH (India CSR): The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) has issued a public notice regarding the proposed Pelma Opencast Coal Mine Project of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Raigarh district. The project carries a proposed production capacity of 15 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and covers an area of approximately 2077.934 hectares.
According to the notification issued under the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification dated September 14, 2006 (as amended), the public hearing for the project will be conducted on June 8, 2026 (Monday) at 11:00 AM in Village Pelma, Tehsil Tamnar, District Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.
The operational responsibility of the project has been handed to an Adani Group-linked company under the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model. SECL signed a 20-year agreement with Pelma Collieries Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd, for the development and operation of the mine. Under this arrangement, the Adani-linked company will undertake activities including mine planning, design, financing, procurement, construction, coal extraction, transportation infrastructure, operation, and maintenance.
The public hearing for the proposed Gare Pelma/Pelma coal mining project, scheduled on May 19, 2026, was postponed amid strong resistance from local residents and rising concerns over maintaining law and order in the area.
Project Spread Across Several Villages
The proposed mining project is planned across multiple villages including:
- Pelma
- Urba
- Mudagaon/Ududaamar
- Lalpur
- Hinjhar
- Jamdi
- Sakta
- Milupara
- Khamaria
All these villages fall under the Tamnar Tehsil of Raigarh district.
Public Invited to Submit Objections and Suggestions
The Environment Conservation Board stated that local residents, affected families, social organizations, and all concerned stakeholders may submit their objections, suggestions, or comments regarding the project.
People can present their views in writing before the scheduled hearing date at the office of the Regional Officer, Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board, Raigarh, during office hours.
EIA Report Available for Public Review
As per the notice, copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and executive summary have been made available in both Hindi and English for public inspection at various government offices and local bodies.
The documents can reportedly be accessed at offices including:
- District Collector, Raigarh
- Zila Panchayat Raigarh
- Janpad Panchayat Tamnar
- Concerned Gram Panchayats
- Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board offices
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change offices
COVID-Related Guidelines to Be Followed
The notification also mentioned that all guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and related authorities regarding public gatherings and health safety measures will be followed during the public hearing process.
Significance of the Project
The Pelma Opencast Coal Mine is expected to become a major coal production project in Chhattisgarh, contributing to the coal supply chain and industrial energy demands. However, environmental concerns, land acquisition, displacement, forest impact, and livelihood issues are likely to become key discussion points during the public hearing.
The upcoming hearing is expected to witness participation from villagers, environmental activists, public representatives, and government officials as stakeholders debate the potential economic benefits and environmental implications of the proposed mining expansion.
(India CSR)
