ANGUL: The Talcher coalfield of Mahanadi coalfields Limited (MCL) is expected to produce 125 million tonne of coal in 2025-26 as against 100 million tonne recorded in the last financial year, said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan here on Tuesday.
Pradhan informed this at the 15th rehabilitation and periphery development advisory committee (RPDAC) meeting of MCL in the conference hall of Angul collectorate. The meeting witnessed a threadbare discussion on land acquisition and rehabilitation issues of MCL in Talcher, Kaniha and Chhendipada blocks.
Pradhan said discussions were held with MCL and district officials regarding acquiring land in accordance with people’s convenience to increase coal production in Angul. Land acquisition should be people oriented with an aim to benefit the land losers in matters of compensation and rehabilitation.
The union minister said RPDAC has framed many policies to know specific issues of the public in detail. For this reason, formation of a special committee has also been envisioned. The RPDAC has prepared a policy on making arrangements for land acquisition according to the people’s convenience.
“Steps will be taken so that people can benefit and receive more compensation in accordance with the laws and policies of both the Central and state governments. Arrangements have also been made from Coal India for possible assistance,” he said.
Pradhan informed that there will be another RPDAC meeting during the end of the current year. Efforts will be made for creation of forests and protection of wildlife in view of the mining activities.
Expressing happiness over functioning of the Talcher medical college and hospital, he thanked Coal India Limited for contributing `1,600 crore for it.
Among others, Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pany, MLAs Agasti Behera and Brajkishor Pradhan, Angul collector Abdaal Akhtar, ADM Uday Mahapatra and MCL CMD Uday Anant Kaole were present.
Later in the day, the union minister visited the Nalco aluminium park and Talcher MCH.