The Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, undertook a significant two-day official visit to South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) operational areas on 30th June and 1st July 2025, reinforcing the government’s vision to modernize the coal sector, boost production, and enhance worker welfare and sustainability practices.
On 1st July, the Minister virtually inaugurated and flagged off a cutting-edge low-height Continuous Miner machine at SECL’s NCPH underground mine in the Chirimiri Area. This move underscores the Ministry’s push towards deploying modern mining equipment to meet ambitious production targets.
During the event, Shri Dubey emphasized the importance of the coal sector in realizing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He stated that, thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, coal shortages are now a thing of the past. Highlighting the adoption of technologies like the Continuous Miner, he affirmed the goal of achieving 100 million tonnes of underground coal production by 2030.
He applauded SECL for embracing advanced technologies and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring coal extraction that is both safe and efficient.
Further prioritizing miner safety, a Main Mechanical Ventilator (MMV) was inaugurated at the Churcha Mine in Baikunthpur Area. This facility ensures continuous circulation of fresh air in underground mines, safeguarding health and improving work conditions for miners.
Demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility, Shri Dubey planted a tree as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, highlighting the Ministry’s focus on sustainability. During his visit to SECL’s Dipka Area, he also took part in a plantation drive and laid the foundation stone for a new entrance gate and security complex at Pragati House.
A strong advocate for inclusive workplaces, Shri Dubey also inaugurated bio-toilets at Churcha Mine, symbolizing efforts to create more gender-inclusive infrastructure. He recognized the growing participation of women in coal mining and personally felicitated exemplary employees, including women and contract workers, for their outstanding contributions.
During his visit to contract workers’ camps, he engaged with workers to directly assess their living standards and listen to their concerns. This on-ground interaction highlighted the government’s emphasis on workforce welfare and dignity of labor.
Upon arriving in Raipur on the first day of his visit, the Minister met with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. During their courtesy meeting, the two leaders discussed accelerating land acquisition and rehabilitation processes—crucial steps toward enabling coal project expansion and maintaining a steady coal supply across the state.
A detailed presentation was also made to the Minister at the Dipka View Point, reviewing SECL’s performance, future plans, and operational strategies. Shri Dubey applauded SECL not only for its coal output but also for its impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work, particularly the initiative ‘SECL Ki Dhadkan’, which supports heart surgeries for children.
Throughout the visit, SECL CMD Shri Harish Duhan, along with Functional Directors, CVO, and other senior officials, accompanied Shri Dubey. His engagements reflected a comprehensive approach toward technological advancement, environmental responsibility, and workforce empowerment in the coal sector.
The Minister’s visit concluded on a high note, with strong messages around self-reliance, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, setting the tone for the future of coal mining in India.
