Bilaspur: SECL and Adani Face Rising Community Opposition Over Land Acquisition Plans of Pelma Mines in Chhattisgarh

BILASPUR (Chhattisgarh): In a bold show of defiance, local residents converged with key community leaders for a high-impact public demonstration at the SECL headquarters in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The collective’s aim was unequivocal: to firmly oppose South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) and their Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) partner, Adani Enterprises, in their contentious quest to acquire land for mining operations.

Elevating the voices of the community were stalwarts like Chakradhar Rathia, Banshi Patel, Akshay Patel, Shiv Patel, and Rajesh Tripathi, who each took to the podium to articulate the concerns, aspirations, and unyielding resolve of the local farmers.

This high-visibility rally in front of SECL’s main offices wasn’t just a demonstration; it was a potent message aimed directly at the power corridors of the mining industry and governmental agencies. It declared in no uncertain terms that the community will not be passive spectators in a story that usurps their lands and disrupts their lives.

SECL’s plans to develop the Pelma mines, initially allocated by Coal India in around 2005, have hit a snag due to increasing public opposition. Member of Parliament (MP) Raigarh – Gomti Sai has also voiced her support for the local farmers, penning a letter to Union Coal Minister Prahlad Joshi to request the cancellation of the proposed land acquisition.

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Chhattisgarh Congress Supports Protests Against Key Mining Companies

In a significant political development, the ruling Congress party in Chhattisgarh has thrown its weight behind the public demonstrations opposing land acquisition by two major mining companies—one a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) and the other a private entity.

This endorsement from the state’s ruling party amplifies the message of the community and brings a heightened level of scrutiny and pressure on the mining firms. It also adds a layer of political complexity, making it clear that the opposition to the land acquisition is not just grassroots-driven but has found resonance at the legislative level.

With the backing of the ruling party, the protests gain not just visibility but also a more formidable stance against the mining giants, potentially shaping policy outcomes related to land acquisition and industrial development in the region.

Community Protest

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, thousands of local residents and individuals directly affected by the proposed project converged in Bilaspur for a massive protest. The gathering served as both a symbol and a statement, clearly indicating that the community’s opposition to land acquisition plans has reached a tipping point.

Filling streets and squares near SECL’s headquarters, the diverse crowd collectively sent an unmistakable message to policymakers and corporate leaders alike: the community will not quietly acquiesce to decisions that jeopardize their land and livelihood. The sheer scale of the protest underscores the deep-rooted concerns of the populace and amplifies the urgent need for a reevaluation of the ongoing projects.

Long-Standing Controversy

The process for land acquisition started as far back as 2008 with the publication of Section 4, which essentially notifies the public about the government’s intention to acquire land. According to BJP MP Gomti Sai, this notice was published without the villagers’ knowledge. It wasn’t until 2013 that the local residents became aware of the impending acquisition.

In response, the community convened a special village meeting where they unanimously decided not to part with their land for any governmental or non-governmental initiatives. “The land is our livelihood, and we won’t give it up,” said one of the local farmers.

Adani’s Growing Influence

In related developments, Adani Enterprises has been awarded the MDO contract for four mining projects in Raigarh district, including one power plant and a coal block designated for the Chhattisgarh government. They have also taken over Ambuja Cement, further increasing their footprint in the region.

Raigarh MP Gomti Sai’s recent intervention on behalf of the farmers adds a new layer to this contentious issue. She insists that the government should respect the will of the people and cancel the Pelma Mines land acquisition.

As the opposition from the local community grows stronger, SECL and its MDO partner Adani find themselves at a crossroads. The public and political pressure puts into question whether the development of the Pelma mines can or should proceed.

SECL and Pelma Collieries Sign Landmark Agreement for Opencast Mining in Raipur

On August 23, 2023, in Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) entered into a significant agreement with Pelma Collieries, an Adani group company. The agreement aims to operate the Pelma open-cast mine located in the Raigarh area under the Mine, Developer and Operator (MDO) mode.

A First for Chhattisgarh’s Coal Mining

The Pelma mine is set to become the first opencast mine in Chhattisgarh operated by an arm of Coal India Limited to produce coal under the MDO model.

Terms of the Agreement

According to the terms stipulated in the agreement, Pelma Collieries will oversee the mine’s operations for the next 20 years. Their responsibilities will encompass a wide range of activities, including designing, financing, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project.

Over 219 million tonnes of coal are proposed to be extracted over the next two decades, aiming for an annual target of 15 million tonnes of high-quality G-12 grade coal.

The Significance of MDO Mode

The MDO mode represents an innovative approach to mine operation that allows both government and private enterprises to collaborate to meet the country’s energy demands. This operational method is expected to facilitate SECL’s expansion of coal production and contribute to Coal India’s goal of achieving 1 billion tonnes in production.

SECL’s Ongoing Initiatives in MDO Mode

SECL has previously succeeded in reviving its old and closed mines through the MDO mode. Ketki UnderGround (UG) in the Bishrampur area has become the first coal mine in India to operate under this model. Furthermore, Letters of Award have also been issued for operating the Kalyani UG Mine of the Bhatgaon area under the MDO-revenue sharing model. SECL is actively working to initiate other projects under the MDO model as well.

Strategic Importance of the Raigarh Area

The Raigarh area, where the new project will be situated, is strategically crucial for SECL. This region is the third-largest coalfield in the country, with an estimated coal reserve of about 1900 million tonnes. SECL is also in the process of developing a rail corridor in the area to expedite coal evacuation.

Key Personnel Present at the Signing

The agreement signing was attended by several key personnel from both SECL and the Adani Group. From SECL, Director (Finance) G Srinivasan, Director (Projects/Planning) S N Kapri, Director (Personnel) Debasis Acharyya, General Manager (CMC) C K Sahoo, and General Manager Raigarh Area H S Pandey were present. Representing the Adani Group were Laxman Singh Shekhawat, COO of Adani Natural Resources, and Ajay Gupta, Director of Pelma Collieries.

(India CSR)