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New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Raipur Diary: Solar-powered coal mining gets a push
Solar-powered coal mining gets a push The Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) coal mine, operated by the Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd in Ambikapur district, about 330 km north of Raipur, has taken a significant step towards 'sustainable' mining with the operationalisation of a 9-MW solar power plant. This is the first direct application of renewable energy in India's coal mining sector. PEKB is a crucial source of coal for electricity generation for nearly 80 million consumers in Rajasthan. Developed by Mundra Solar PV Limited, the 9-MW solar facility established within the mine premises is expected to reduce nearly 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over next 25 years. Bastar to host Central Zonal Council meet The 25th meeting of the Central Zonal Council, held in Varanasi, declared Bastar as the next venue of the panel's session. This marks a significant stride in integrating India's remote and sensitive regions into the 'national development' discourse. Hosting such a high-level policy forum in Bastar stands as a powerful symbol of the inclusive and transformative governance, a government statement said. 'It is hoped that by the time the next Council convenes, Bastar would have witnessed decisive progress in the ongoing battle against left-wing extremism. The Bastar is set to redefine its identity not as a region of possibilities rather than conflict.' Hindi to replace Urdu, Persian in police records Chhattisgarh is set to replace Urdu and Persian words used in official records of the police department with Hindi terms. A list of 109 words have been provided with their Hindi alternatives, suggested to be used in place of the old words with an intent to simplify the vocabulary. The government cited Hindi as a 'convenient language' to understand, saying this will make policing communicative, accessible and transparent. On a directive by the state home department, the DGP has issued a letter to all district police chiefs asking them to change traditional Urdu and Persian words that were in use in police functioning with 'simpler' Hindi words. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PEKB becomes Chhattisgarh's first solar-powered coal mine, sets new benchmark in sustainable mining
RAIPUR: In a ground breaking move toward sustainable mining, the Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) coal mine, located in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, has officially become the first coal mine in the state, and one of the first in India, to achieve complete energy self-sufficiency through solar power. The milestone was marked with the inauguration of a 9-megawatt (MW) solar power plant, making PEKB a model for environmentally responsible mining practices. The solar facility was inaugurated on Friday by Rajesh Agrawal, BJP MLA from Ambikapur, who symbolically switched on the panel board to mark the commissioning of the plant. The plant, spanning 30 acres of reclaimed land within the mine, represents a significant step in incorporating renewable energy into India's coal mining sector. The development contract for the PEKB mine was awarded to Adani Enterprises following a competitive bidding process by the Government of Rajasthan. A Green Shift in Mining MLA Agrawal, during his visit, highlighted the importance of the solar power plant for both energy security and environmental sustainability. "The installation of this solar power plant is a significant step in reducing carbon emissions. The plant will generate approximately 2.137 million units of electricity annually, offsetting about 17,094 tonnes of carbon emissions, which is the equivalent of planting 100,000 trees," Agrawal pointed out. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo He added that this initiative is a valuable contribution to India's transition towards clean energy. Officials said that the solar project, developed by Mundra Solar PV Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Ltd., is expected to reduce nearly 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years, akin to the environmental benefits of planting 2.5 million trees. During the inauguration, Agrawal also visited the mine's nursery area, where large-scale afforestation is in progress. He planted a Sal tree sapling, an indigenous species crucial for the region's biodiversity. "The plantation of over 1.5 million trees by the mine workers is an admirable effort. Special recognition is due for the cultivation of Sal trees, which are rare to propagate but hold immense ecological value," Agrawal stated. PEKB, located in the Udaipur block of Chhattisgarh, is a critical source of coal for electricity generation, benefiting approximately 80 million consumers in Rajasthan. Beyond its energy contributions, the mine plays a vital role in supporting local communities, creating employment opportunities, and fostering infrastructure development. As part of its environmental and community welfare initiatives, PEKB has already planted over 1.568 million trees in the region. Additionally, more than 1,000 children are receiving free, quality education through English-medium schools operated by the project, ensuring the long-term social development of the local population. The inauguration event was attended by senior officials from RRVUNL. As Chhattisgarh continues to emerge as a leader in sustainable mining, the PEKB solar power plant stands as a shining example of how the sector can contribute to both energy security and environmental preservation, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward a cleaner and greener future. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
