(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
On the occasion of World Environment Day, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) received the prestigious “Environment Award” from the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board for two of its units in the Sohagpur Area. The awards were presented during a ceremonial event attended by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, Environment Minister Dilip Ahirwar, along with senior officials including Dr. Navneet Mohan Kothari, Principal Secretary of the Environment Department, and Dr. Achyut Anand Mishra, Member Secretary of the Pollution Control Board.

SECL’s Budhar Railway Siding was recognized for its advanced air pollution control systems and the successful plantation of 10,000 trees in a dense afforestation drive. The siding currently dispatches around 3.2 million tonnes of coal to various thermal power stations and industries across the country, playing a vital role in ensuring national energy security. Operational since 1935, Budhar Siding has been an enduring contributor to India’s energy landscape.

The second award was conferred to Budhar Central Hospital for its innovative environmental practices. A 50 KLD capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has been installed within the hospital premises to treat wastewater efficiently, making a tangible impact on environmental protection. This initiative reflects SECL’s commitment to sustainable development by integrating healthcare and ecological responsibility.

The 125-bed multi-specialty hospital not only serves SECL employees working in coal mines but also provides advanced healthcare services to residents of three nearby districts. With a dedicated team of experienced doctors and the availability of affordable medicines through the Amrit Pharmacy, the hospital exemplifies a unique model of harmony between environmental care and public health.

Representing SECL at the award ceremony were Regional General Manager of Sohagpur Area, P. Sreekrishna, General Manager Amresh Pandey, Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma, and Regional Environmental Officer Pankaj Gautam. Also present from SECL Bhopal were Department Head Manoj Mishra and Senior Manager Vaibhav Pathak.

These recognitions not only celebrate SECL’s ongoing environmental efforts but also serve as a testament to the organization’s vision of responsible mining and sustainable community development.