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New Delhi, 04 November (HS). Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy virtually inaugurated a 50 MW ground-mounted solar power plant in the field of vision of NCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL). Located in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh, this solar power plant will generate an average of 94 million units of electricity in its first year, helping to reduce carbon emissions by more than 78,000 tonnes annually.
Union Minister G. at the 50th Foundation Day celebrations of CIL held in Kolkata. Kishan Reddy launches Swarna Jayanti logo. Along with this he also unveiled the mascot “Angara”. The logo symbolizes CIL's vital role as the backbone of India's energy sector, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation, progress and sustainability. The mascot symbolizes the strength and resilience of coal miners, reflecting their courage and dedication. The mascot is inspired by the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Kishan Reddy also released the strategy report on coal and lignite exploration on the occasion. Also inaugurated the Mine Closure Portal and announced the development of 50 MW solar power plant at Nigahi project of Northern Coalfields Limited, involving an investment of Rs 250 crore. This solar initiative is expected to generate 49 million units of electricity. The Minister concluded the ceremony by presenting awards to outstanding performers in both institutional and individual categories, recognizing their significant contribution to the success of CIL. In his address during the program, the Coal Minister appreciated CIL's people-centric PLI scheme for contract workers.
Addressing the program, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said that CIL provides coal to Indian consumers at competitive rates compared to imported coal. He said that the coal stock in power plants reached 31.6 MT by October 28, 2024, whereas it was 18.8 MT in the same period last year. Dutt said that there has been an increase of 68 percent, the credit for which mainly goes to the contribution of CIL. The Coal Secretary said that Coal India should realign its processes, operations and cost efficiency as per the changing business dynamics.
On this occasion, Coal Ministry Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, Coal Ministry Additional Secretary Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary Vismita Tej, CIL Chairman-cum-Managing Director P. M. Prasad. Director (P&IR) V.K. Prasad, Director (Business Development) Vinay Ranjan, Director (Marketing) Debashish Nanda, Director (Visiting) Mukesh Chaudhary, Chief Vigilance Officer Mukesh Aggarwal and Chief Vigilance Officer Brajesh Kumar Tripathi were present along with senior management.