Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Limited (GMDC) on Wednesday announced that its board of directors have approved the Land and Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) plan for its highest peak rated capacity (PRC) and one of India’s largest coal mines – “Baitarni-West” in Odisha. The emphasis on a comprehensive Land and R&R plan indicates a balanced approach towards industrial development and ensuring energy security, it said.
This strategic decision spotlights GMDC’s commitment to the early operationalization of the mine, highlighting its role in enhancing Odisha’s industrial prosperity and also contributing towards Gujarat’s energy security. After approval of the Board, GMDC shall move towards the opening of the coal mine with a PRC of 15 million tonnes per annum in Odisha. With this, a significant mineable reserve of 468 million tonnes in “Baitarni-West” would become one of the top 20 coal producing mines in the country in terms of annual production capacity, notably contributing towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the company added.
The plan for the land acquisition comprises govt. and private land with an approximate area of 154.3 Ha and 199.86 Ha respectively. The R&R plan is being designed for 1500 nos. of affected families in the area. Key components of the Land and R&R plan are its robust compensation and employment framework, designed to support the long-term financial stability of affected families & landowners.
GMDC has also launched several significant initiatives in the Angul region, including the intervention in primary health sector like mobile medical unit (MMU) – “Jan Chikitsa Seva” providing free medical services at doorsteps for the local communities, earmarking land for improved educational facilities and sports complexes, ensuring access to safe drinking water, and distributing mobility aids to specially-abled people.
GMDC is a zero-debt company and has five operational lignite mines located in Kutch, South Gujarat, and Bhavnagar region. With an output of 7.6 million tonnes in FY22–23, GMDC is the second-largest producer of lignite in India.