Indus Valley Times

By A.K. Sahoo

BHUBANESWAR, SEPT. 9: Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC), a prominent public sector undertaking (PSU) under the Gujarat government, has been allocated three coal blocks in Odisha—two in the Chendipada block of Angul District and one in the Hemgir block of Sundargarh district.

As part of GMDC’s strategic expansion into Odisha, the Managing Director, Mr. Roopwant Singh, IAS, met with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Sri Mohan Charan Majhi, on 4th September 2024. The meeting centered on the progress of GMDC’s mining projects and sought the Odisha Government’s support for establishing 4400 MW Power Plant in the state. The power plant, critical for addressing energy needs in Gujarat, is also expected to create significant employment opportunities and boost local revenue in Odisha. This initiative forms part of GMDC’s overall plan to invest INR 50,000+ Crore for Mining activities and downstream integration projects across Odisha, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth and development in the region.

During the discussion, Mr. Roopwant Singh, IAS, emphasised GMDC’s dedication to community welfare and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Odisha. He assured the Chief Minister that GMDC would ensure fair land compensation rates for landowners in areas earmarked for mining and stated that the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) package would be carefully considered to address local concerns, ensuring that stakeholders are taken into account during the project’s implementation. He also highlighted GMDC’s future CSR initiatives, which include developing a world-class Sports Complex, a Multi-Specialty Hospital, and an English Medium School in Odisha. These facilities are aimed at uplifting the local population by improving access to education, healthcare, and recreational infrastructure. The Hon’ble Chief Minister expressed his support for these projects, agreeing to allocate the necessary land to ensure their successful implementation.

GMDC’s partnership with the Government of Odisha marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between the two entities, underpinned by a shared vision of fostering economic progress and social welfare. The proposed power plant and the company’s broader investment plans reflect a long-term commitment to creating sustainable value for both the state of Odisha and Gujarat. By aligning its industrial activities with local community needs, GMDC aims to contribute meaningfully to Odisha’s socio-economic development.

Also present at the meeting were key officials from both The Odisha Government and GMDC. Representing the Odisha Government were Mr. Nikunja Bihari Dhal, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister; Mr. Surendra Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Steel & Mines; and Mr. Saswat Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary, Finance Department. Accompanying Shri Roopwant Singh, IAS, MD, from GMDC were Lt. General Sanjeev Sharma, Head of Odisha Mines; Mr. H.K. Joshi (CGM), GMDC; Mr. Swagat Ray (GM), GMDC; and Mr. Birendra Mahato, (GM), GMDC. Together, GMDC and the Government of Odisha are focused on building a collaborative future, with an emphasis on energy, economic growth, and community development.