ECL strengthens green commitment, signs MoU with WBFDCL for large-scale afforestation in West Bengal

Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological restoration, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, on Tuesday entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited (WBFDCL) to undertake large-scale plantation and afforestation activities across Paschim Bardhaman district.

The MoU was exchanged during the inauguration of “Aranya Saptaha 2026” at Salt Lake in Kolkata, marking another significant milestone in ECL's ongoing efforts towards environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

On behalf of ECL, the MoU was exchanged by Satish Jha, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, with Harish, IFS, Chief Executive Officer, Green Projects Wing, WBFDCL, during the event which was attended by Suvendu Adhikari, Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal and several senior dignitaries, including the Minister-in-Charge, Forest Department; Minister-in-Charge, Health Department; Minister of State, Forest Department; Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal; Additional Chief Secretary, Forest Department; and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF).

Girish Gopinathan Nair, Director (Technical), ECL, along with senior officials from the Government of West Bengal, the Forest Department and participating organisations, also attended the programme.

The initiative forms part of the "Ekti Gachh, Maayer Naame!" campaign, aligned with the national movement "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," which encourages institutions and citizens to actively participate in tree plantation drives to enhance green cover and protect the environment.

Under the agreement, ECL will facilitate the plantation of around 2.11 lakh seedlings over 95.39 hectares land in Paschim Bardhaman district through the Green Projects Wing of WBFDCL during the current financial year 2026-27. The afforestation programme is aimed at expanding forest cover, restoring ecological balance, strengthening climate resilience and contributing to sustainable environmental management in the region.

The initiative reflects ECL's continued focus on integrating environmental responsibility with its mining operations.

By partnering with the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation, the company seeks to create long-term ecological benefits while supporting the state's efforts towards conservation and sustainable development.

The MoU underscores ECL's proactive role in advancing corporate environmental responsibility and reaffirming its vision of building a greener and more sustainable future through collaborative action and community-oriented environmental initiatives.