The Coal Museum located within the park offers a comprehensive look into the rich history and enduring legacy of coal mining in India.
NEW DELHI: Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), the premier CPSE under the Ministry of Coal, Govt. of India is constantly attaining new heights in coal production and off-take through environ-friendly and sustainable mining practices.
The latest achievement of MCL in this direction is development of Chandra Shekar Azad eco-park and Coal Museum at mine No.4 of Orient Area in Ib Valley Coalfields, Jharsuguda, Odisha, Indian Govt. said.
Eco-park and Coal Museum Development
The enchanting eco-park with lush green landscape, coal café and a children’s park was constructed by MCL in a record time after repurposing coal mine No.4 that closed production in 2017.
It is worth mentioning that the foundation stone for the park was laid in 2021 by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi. The park also provides opportunity to have firsthand experience of an underground mine to the visitors.
The Coal Museum
The Coal Museum inside the park is a perfect glimpse of the history and legacy of coal mining in India. Working models of different machines and vehicles used in Under Ground and Open Cast mines are on display. Coal Mining equipment/machines on display include surface miner, dumper, crane, tipper, dozer, belt conveyor, coal cutting machine, drill machine and backhoe to name a few.
Sustainable Mining Practices
Engaged in coal mining activities in Sundergarh, Jharsuguda and Angul districts of Odisha, MCL has backfilled and reclaimed at least 2000 hectares of completely utilized land so far, a statement said.
Many quarry voids have been developed into water bodies for rain water harvesting, in line with sustainable mining practices.
(India CSR)
