Building Trust Through Tradition: SECL Hosts ‘Sneh Milan Mela’ in Chhattisgarh

In a significant step toward fostering harmonious relationships and deeper integration with local communities, South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) recently hosted its inaugural ‘Sneh Milan Mela’ in the Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh. The event was organized under the aegis of SECL’s Bhatgaon Area and marked a milestone in the company’s ongoing community outreach efforts.

The day-long event brought together more than 600 participants, including SECL employees, their families, and villagers from the surrounding areas. Designed as a cultural and social confluence, the Mela served as a vibrant platform for connection, collaboration, and celebration—underscoring SECL’s commitment to inclusive and community-oriented development.

A Celebration of Culture and Unity

The Mela was a kaleidoscope of cultural expression. Attendees were treated to an array of performances ranging from folk songs to traditional dances, with local artists and SECL employees both taking to the stage. A standout act was a captivating puppet show centered on the theme of drug de-addiction—delivering a critical social message through accessible art.

The festival atmosphere was further enriched by food stalls operated by women employees and local community members, offering traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine and delicacies. These efforts highlighted the integration of women and grassroots voices in SECL’s public events, reflecting a broader commitment to gender inclusivity and cultural preservation.

Community Engagement and Development: A Strategic Priority

The Sneh Milan Mela is more than just a cultural festival—it symbolizes SECL’s strategic focus on grassroots engagement as an essential part of its expansion roadmap. With ambitious plans to scale up operations in its flagship projects—Gevra, Dipka, and Kusmunda, which collectively contribute over 70% of SECL’s coal output—earning community trust is crucial for securing land and ensuring project sustainability.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, echoed this sentiment during a recent visit to SECL. He engaged with workers at the ground level, sharing meals with coal miners and emphasizing the importance of inclusive development and welfare-driven policy implementation. His visit added further weight to the importance of events like the Mela in aligning with national priorities for community welfare and industrial growth.

Empowering Affected Families Through Employment

As part of its comprehensive rehabilitation and resettlement strategy, SECL distributed formal employment letters to 86 youths whose families were affected by land acquisition for the Mahamaya Open Cast Project in the Bhatgaon Area. The employment distribution event was attended by Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Chhattisgarh.

Commending SECL’s proactive initiatives, Minister Rajwade emphasized the importance of economic empowerment and encouraged the newly employed youth to contribute meaningfully to regional progress. She highlighted how such opportunities not only uplift families but also serve as catalysts for long-term development in rural areas.

A Record Year for Employment in FY 2024–25

The event also highlighted a significant achievement for SECL in the financial year 2024–25. The company provided employment to 807 individuals in exchange for land acquisition—its highest annual figure to date. This milestone reflects SECL’s deep-rooted commitment to balancing industrial expansion with social responsibility.

SECL Chairman and Managing Director, Shri Harish Duhan, articulated the company's vision during the event, stating,

“At SECL, our mission goes beyond mining. We are deeply committed to improving the lives of people in our operational areas through sustained employment and community engagement. Events like Sneh Milan Mela reflect our holistic approach to development where building trust with communities is as vital as operational efficiency in driving long-term progress.”

Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for Responsible Growth

As SECL gears up for a new phase of operational expansion, initiatives like the Sneh Milan Mela offer a replicable model for socially conscious industrial development. By prioritizing community welfare, facilitating cultural exchange, and offering direct economic benefits through employment, SECL is reinforcing its image not just as a coal producer, but as a responsible partner in the region’s development journey.

Such engagements are essential in paving the way for smoother project implementation, reducing resistance to land acquisition, and ensuring that the benefits of industrial activity are equitably shared among those most affected.