South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), an arm of Coal India Limited (CIL) headquartered in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district, is set to embark on an ambitious plantation initiative. With an allocated investment of Rs 169 crore over the next four years, SECL aims to enhance green cover in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Operating 65 coal mines, SECL has collaborated with Chhattisgarh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (CGRVVN) and Madhya Pradesh Rajya Van Vikas Nigam (MPRVVN) for a five-year plantation project from 2023-24 to 2027-28, followed by four years of maintenance. This initiative is in line with SECL's commitment to balancing coal production with environmental preservation.

In a significant move, SECL plans to introduce the Miyawaki method for the first time in its operational areas. The Miyawaki forest, set to cover two hectares initially as a pilot project in SECL's Gevra Area, will be carried out in partnership with CGRVVN, investing around Rs 4 crore. This innovative Japanese technique involves planting native species in close proximity, aiming to create a dense and diverse ecosystem.

This pilot Miyawaki plantation at SECL aims not only to bolster greenery around the Gevra mine, the country's largest coal mine but also to benefit local communities and wildlife. Apart from enhancing the natural habitat, the project intends to mitigate the impact of mining activities by absorbing dust particles and regulating surface temperatures.

SECL has a notable track record in afforestation, having planted over three crore saplings since its inception. In the fiscal year 2023-24 alone, the company expanded green cover across 475 hectares, planting a record 10.77 lakh saplings, surpassing other subsidiaries of Coal India Limited.

The Miyawaki plantation method, pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s, involves planting various native vegetation in dense patterns. This approach, well-suited for smaller land areas, facilitates the creation of a robust canopy of trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.