25 EVs added to WCL fleet, minister launches various projects

Nagpur: Union coal and mines minister G Kishan Reddy flagged off 25 electric vehicles (EVs) that were added to the fleet of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) during the minister's two-day visit.The minister also virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of various important projects of WCL. He also reviewed WCL performance regarding coal production.On the first day of the visit, Reddy virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several key WCL projects. He also reviewed the company's coal production performance. During the programme, he laid the foundation stone for the Black Diamond Sports Stadium at Kamptee, the Swami Vivekananda Eco Park at Tadali in the Wani area, and the First Mile Connectivity project at Sasti Open Cast Mine in the Ballarpur area. After the ceremony, Reddy conducted a detailed review of WCL's coal production, safety standards, sustainable development efforts and future plans. He expressed confidence that the company would deliver better performance in the current financial year and said WCL has a crucial role in the changing coal industry. WCL chairman and managing director Harish Duhan presented a review for 2025-26 at the meeting. Coal ministry additional secretary Sanoj Kumar Jha, Coal India chairman B Sairam, coal controller Sajeesh Kumar N, along with WCL directors and senior officials, were present.On March 14, the minister reviewed the various activities and progress related to the mine closure at Murpar underground mine. Coal production at this mine commenced in 2003, and the mine was closed in 2022 after the area was declared part of the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. He emphasised that the mine closure process should be implemented in a scientific and systematic manner so that environmental balance in the region can be restored and natural resources conserved after mining operations cease.