By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM|Honoured at Water Digest Awards 2026 in New Delhi by Hon’ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government of India

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has been conferred with the “Integrated Industrial Water Management & Stewardship Award” under the Water Digest Awards 2026 for its outstanding contribution in the field of water conservation and industrial water management.

The award was presented on 23 March 2026 at a program held in New Delhi by the Hon’ble Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Government India, Raj Bhushan Choudhary. The award was received on behalf of SECL by Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, and Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra, Director (Technical/Planning & Projects).

The recognition has been accorded for SECL’s innovative efforts under its Mine Water Utilization initiatives, aimed at the effective and sustainable use of mine water. Through this initiative, water discharged from mines is being channelized and utilized to address water scarcity in nearby areas, while also providing irrigation support to local farmers.

On this occasion, Harish Duhan, CMD, SECL, stated:“Water conservation is one of our key priority areas. SECL remains committed to sustainable and responsible mining, and the effective utilization of mine water is a significant step in that direction. Through this initiative, we are not only ensuring optimal use of resources but also contributing to the well-being of surrounding communities, especially farmers.”

This initiative has ensured improved water availability in surrounding rural areas and enabled farmers to access reliable irrigation, allowing them to cultivate multiple crops in a year. It has contributed to enhanced livelihoods while strengthening sustainable water management practices in the region.