NLC India to grow 26 lakh trees in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Government of India promoted Navratna Company NLC India Limited, which is planning to invest more than Rs 17,000 crore in its integrated coal-fired power projects at Talabira, has embarked upon aggressive programs of afforestation to cultivate close to 26 lakh trees in Odisha.

The move is aimed at enhancing forest cover, increasing carbon capture and improving biodiversity inside and outside of mining area.

NLC India is working closely with the Forest Department of government of Odisha to make it a model mine by cultivating more trees than the mandated under relevant policies, said NLC India official.

He informed that the company has already deposited Rs 134.36 crore in Odisha CAMPA Account which covers compensatory afforestation and its maintenance for 10 years, Catchment Area Treatment Plan, Wild Life Management plans and Gap plantation etc.

Per capita electricity consumption in India is estimated at around 1100 units a year, which is much lower than the comparable nations. Our integrated project with huge green cover will ensure uninterrupted electricity to lakhs of households and commercial establishments through 3,200 MW of NLC Talabira Thermal Power Project in Odisha and NLC Tamil Nadu Power Limited’s 1,000 MW project in Tuticorin district.

Our drive to plant and protect 25,86,700 trees inside and outside the mining lease area of Talabira II & III is higher than what is prescribed by the relevant regulations for protecting and nurturing the environment. Local plants such as Jamu, Sirisa, Barakoli, Ambada, Bahada, Harida, Mango, Jack fruits, Bamboo, Pahadi Sisu will be cultivated to develop vibrancy in the ecology.

Public sector unit NLC India will produce 20 million tonne of coal per annum from Talabira II &III Coal Blocks to fuel its 4,200 MW of thermal power projects. This will attract thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities and the recruitments are already on, the company official said.

NLC India will undertake compensatory afforestation Forest Department of Odisha to plant 13,27,702 saplings in 2089 hectare in Sambalpur, Sonepur and Bolangir districts.

Also, it will plant nearly 12,41,000 trees inside the mining lease area. Additionally, 18,400 saplings will be planted in the safety zone area and outer periphery of the mine.

Recently, NLC India also announced the exemplary compensation for the project affected families with higher land prices, pakka houses in townships with supporting modern infrastructure besides monthly disbursements in lieu of employment for the youth to enable them to pursue vocations/professions of their choices.

Also, the company promised to support local communities through institutional support for capacity building. As a gesture of gratitude towards the iconic freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai, it will develop his birthplace as a tourist destination at Khinda involving Odisha Tourism Department, Sambalpur.