New Delhi: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) signed MoUs with the Sundargarh District Administration on Tuesday for five developmental projects worth ₹22.64 crore. The company is funding the MCL CSR projects under its CSR initiative. The General Manager (CSR) of MCL and the Sundargarh District Collector signed the agreements. The District Administration will implement the projects.
Three projects involve rejuvenating and beautifying water bodies. These are Kata Bandha at ₹4.32 crore, Brahamani Bandha at ₹3.98 crore and Abdul Hussain Bandha at ₹2.69 crore. In addition, a fourth project covers renovation, improvement and construction of tanks under the Talsara Assembly Constituency in Sundargarh district at ₹7.84 crore.
The fifth project is freshwater inland aquaculture in the mining-affected areas of Hemgir Block, worth ₹3.81 crore. It will follow the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana. As a result, over 700 small-scale farmers and FPO members will benefit.
MCL CSR projects to create 50 new aquaculture ponds
The aquaculture project will develop 50 new ponds and renovate 20 existing ones. Besides this, it includes women-led fish seed production units and Custom Hiring Centres. It also covers an Aqua Business School and a Fish Farmers Producers’ Organisation (FFPO).
The water body rejuvenation work aligns with the Amrit Sarovar mission. Therefore, the work will promote water conservation, groundwater replenishment and environmental improvement. It will also develop leisure destinations, support small-scale tourism and generate local economic activity.
The works include embankment protection, construction of pathways, bathing steps, stone packing, railings, seating spaces, electrical works and horticulture. These works also align with Mission Amrit Sarovar.
Through these MCL CSR projects, the company aims to strengthen water resource management and promote sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, it aims to support women-led enterprises. Overall, MCL seeks to contribute to the socio-economic development of communities across Sundargarh district of Odisha.
