WCL–MBDB Signs Fourth MoU for Commercial Bamboo Plantation on Reclaimed Mine Land

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has signed its fourth MoU with the Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board (MBDB) to plant commercial bamboo on 28 hectares of reclaimed land at the Dhuptala Opencast Mine, Ballarpur Area. The project includes 26 hectares of bamboo and 2 hectares of indigenous species (Jamun, Arjun) with 31,108 saplings. WCL will invest about ₹2.57 crore over five years, while MBDB will handle plantation, maintenance, harvesting and marketing. The 15‑year venture aims for pay‑back by year 8, with WCL receiving 85 % of net profit and MBDB 15 % as facilitation charges. The initiative seeks to create a sustainable non‑coal revenue stream, enhance ecological restoration, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, biodiversity and generate local employment, especially for Project‑Affected Persons.