SECL-Adani Pelma Opencast Coal Mine Project in Raigarh Set for Public Hearing on June 8

RAIGARH (India CSR): The Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB) has issued a public notice regarding the proposed Pelma Opencast Coal Mine Project of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Raigarh district. The project carries a proposed production capacity of 15 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and covers an area of approximately 2077.934 hectares.

According to the notification issued under the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification dated September 14, 2006 (as amended), the public hearing for the project will be conducted on June 8, 2026 (Monday) at 11:00 AM in Village Pelma, Tehsil Tamnar, District Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.

Project Spread Across Several Villages

The proposed mining project is planned across multiple villages including:

• Pelma
• Urba
• Mudagaon/Ududaamar
• Lalpur
• Hinjhar
• Jamdi
• Sakta
• Milupara
• Khamaria

All these villages fall under the Tamnar Tehsil of Raigarh district.

Public Invited to Submit Objections and Suggestions

The Environment Conservation Board stated that local residents, affected families, social organizations, and all concerned stakeholders may submit their objections, suggestions, or comments regarding the project.

People can present their views in writing before the scheduled hearing date at the office of the Regional Officer, Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board, Raigarh, during office hours.

EIA Report Available for Public Review

As per the notice, copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and executive summary have been made available in both Hindi and English for public inspection at various government offices and local bodies.

The documents can reportedly be accessed at offices including:

• District Collector, Raigarh
• Zila Panchayat Raigarh
• Janpad Panchayat Tamnar
• Concerned Gram Panchayats
• Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board offices
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change offices

COVID-Related Guidelines to Be Followed

The notification also mentioned that all guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and related authorities regarding public gatherings and health safety measures will be followed during the public hearing process.

Significance of the Project

The Pelma Opencast Coal Mine is expected to become a major coal production project in Chhattisgarh, contributing to the coal supply chain and industrial energy demands. However, environmental concerns, land acquisition, displacement, forest impact, and livelihood issues are likely to become key discussion points during the public hearing.

The upcoming hearing is expected to witness participation from villagers, environmental activists, public representatives, and government officials as stakeholders debate the potential economic benefits and environmental implications of the proposed mining expansion.

Is it Adani Group is involved. Search and make it Thought for 7s

Yes. Adani Group is involved through Pelma Collieries Ltd. Adani Enterprises incorporated Pelma Collieries as a wholly-owned subsidiary in April 2023, and SECL later signed an agreement with Pelma Collieries to operate the Pelma opencast coal mine for 20 years under MDO mode.

Raigarh: The proposed Pelma Opencast Coal Mine in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district has come into focus after a public hearing notice was issued for the project. The mine belongs to South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Coal India subsidiary, but its operation is linked to Pelma Collieries Ltd, an Adani Group company.

According to the Press Information Bureau, SECL signed an agreement with Pelma Collieries to operate the Pelma opencast mine in Raigarh. Under the agreement, Pelma Collieries will operate the mine for 20 years and will handle design, finance, procurement, construction, operation and maintenance.

The project has a proposed capacity of 15 million tonnes per annum and is spread over 2,077.934 hectares across villages including Pelma, Urba, Maduadumar, Lalpur, Hinjhar, Sakta, Milupara and Kharra in Tamnar tehsil.

Adani Enterprises had earlier incorporated Pelma Collieries Ltd as its wholly owned subsidiary, according to a regulatory filing reported by ET CFO.

The public hearing is scheduled for June 8, 2026, at 11 AM in Pelma village. Local residents and stakeholders are expected to raise concerns related to land, forest diversion, displacement, livelihood, pollution and environmental impact.

The project is likely to remain under public scrutiny because it combines a public-sector coal lease with private operation under the Mine Developer and Operator model.