Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has signed an MoU with the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB) to develop a commercial bamboo plantation project on reclaimed overburden dump land at the Sasti Open Cast Mine in Ballarpur Area. The initiative will cover 19.75 hectares, involve the plantation of nearly 22,000 bamboo saplings, and support environmental restoration, carbon sequestration and local employment generation.
Key Highlights
✅ WCL and MBDB sign MoU for commercial bamboo plantation at Sasti Open Cast Mine.
✅ Nearly 21,942 bamboo saplings to be planted across 19.75 hectares of reclaimed mine land.
✅ WCL to invest around ₹1.33 crore during the first five years of the project.
✅ Project will promote ecological restoration, carbon capture and livelihood opportunities.
New Delhi, June 24: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has strengthened its commitment to sustainable mining and environmental conservation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB), Nagpur, for the development of a Commercial Bamboo Plantation Project on reclaimed mine land at the Sasti Open Cast Mine in the Ballarpur Area of Maharashtra.
The initiative represents an innovative approach to productive post-mining land utilization and aligns with WCL’s broader sustainability strategy aimed at balancing resource extraction with environmental stewardship and community development.
The MoU was signed by Anandji Prasad, Director (Technical/Operations), WCL, and Kalyan Kumar, Managing Director, Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board, in the presence of Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, WCL, Bikram Ghosh, Director (Finance), WCL, and Sandeep Paranjape, Director Technical (Projects & Planning), WCL, along with senior officials from both organizations.
Under the agreement, approximately 21,942 bamboo saplings will be planted across 19.75 hectares of Over Burden (OB) Dump land at the Sasti Open Cast Mine. WCL will invest nearly ₹1.33 crore during the initial five years to support the implementation and development of the project.
The Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board will undertake the responsibility for plantation development, bamboo cultivation, irrigation systems, maintenance, harvesting, marketing and sale of bamboo produce. The project has been designed as a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable model that can generate long-term ecological and economic benefits.
The agreement will remain in force for 15 years under a transparent revenue-sharing framework. As per the terms of the MoU, 85 percent of the net profits generated from the project will accrue to WCL, while 15 percent will be paid to MBDB as facilitation charges. The project is expected to achieve its payback period by the seventh year.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Hemant Sharad Pande emphasized that WCL’s responsibilities extend beyond coal production to include environmental sustainability and the creation of a greener future. He noted that commercial bamboo plantations offer an excellent example of transforming reclaimed mining land into productive assets that contribute to ecological restoration while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Beyond its commercial potential, the project is expected to deliver substantial environmental benefits. Bamboo plantations are known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide, making them effective tools for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. The initiative will also help stabilize overburden dump slopes, reduce dust pollution, develop green barriers and improve the ecological quality of reclaimed mining areas.
The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities for local communities and Project Affected Persons (PAPs) through plantation activities, maintenance work and harvesting operations. This aligns with WCL’s commitment to inclusive growth and community development in mining regions.
This marks the third collaboration between WCL and the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board for commercial bamboo plantation projects. Earlier initiatives were successfully implemented over 30.635 hectares at Makardhokra-III Open Cast Mine in Umrer Area and 43.045 hectares at Amalgamated Inder Kamptee Open Cast Mine in Nagpur Area, demonstrating the success of the model in reclaiming and repurposing mine-affected land.
The latest project further strengthens WCL’s efforts to integrate sustainable land reclamation practices with economic value creation, contributing to India’s environmental conservation goals and promoting responsible mining practices.
Conclusion
The WCL-MBDB bamboo plantation project represents a pioneering model of sustainable mine reclamation and green economic development. By transforming reclaimed overburden dump land into productive bamboo plantations, the initiative will generate environmental, social and economic benefits while reinforcing WCL’s commitment to responsible mining and ecological restoration.
