Dhirauli is the largest coal block to be auctioned in Madhya Pradesh, both in terms of area (2672 Ha.) and geological resource (586 MT). The block is located along the western part of the Singrauli Coal Field. Presently, Adani Group’s Stratatech Mineral Resources Pvt Ltd is working on the Dhirauli coal mine which has geological reserves of 586.39 million tonnes and is estimated to generate Rs 398.27 crore revenue per annum when the mines attains a peak production capacity of 3 million tonnes. The project will last for about 87 years, of which 40 years of coal mining is proposed through opencast mines. It is proposed to excavate 6.5 million tonnes of coal per year from the Dhirauli coal project.
A Public Hearing was announced on 04 May 2022 for getting environmental clearance on the Dhirauli Coal Block and to spread awareness among the villagers.
A Public hearing was organized for environmental clearance for the Dhirauli coal project under Sarai tehsil in village Berdaha. The stage was organized by Dr. Neeraj Verma, Regional Officer, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board in the presence of Shri DP Varman, Additional Collector of Singrauli district. In this program, about 2000 local villagers from all the eight villages affected by the project were present who openly supported the project. Along with this, some villagers also put forth some ideas for the social and economic development of the people affected by this project.
Arrangements for the rehabilitation and resettlement of people of all the eight villages to be affected by the Dhirauli project will be made as per the provisions contained in the Act 2013.
In consultation with the District Officer, Stratatech Mineral Resources Private Limited will prepare a package for rehabilitation and resettlement, in which basic facilities like health, education, and drinking water will be arranged.
Various aspects of air and water quality, water resources, noise level, land environment, and soil quality were studied based on prescribed standards by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and found that all are within the limits of the prescribed standards and are appropriate. Provision for environmental management plan has also been kept.
PR Tool used: On-ground media activation