HT Correspondent
KHARSANG, Oct 6: Arunachal Pradesh entered a new chapter in its economic history on Monday with the inauguration and Bhoomi Puja of the Namchik-Namphuk Central Coal Block at Longtom under Kharsang Sub-Division in Changlang district, marking the beginning of the state’s first-ever commercial coal mining operation.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy formally launched the project in the presence of chief minister Pema Khandu, deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, Arunachal East MP Tapir Gao, several Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, senior officers from the Coal Ministry and the state government, along with officials from the district administration, local leaders, and members of the public.
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The dignitaries also flagged off an array of tools, plants, and machinery of the agency on the occasion, signifying the operational commencement of the long-awaited mining project.
Union minister Reddy said that the Namchik-Namphuk Central Coal Block embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Atma Nirbhar Arunachal Pradesh by integrating the North East into the national energy and infrastructure grid.
“This is not just a mining project; it is a symbol of trust, transparency, and transformation for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. We are bringing sustainable, scientific, and legal mining practices to a region that holds immense potential,” he said.
The minister further assured that the initiative would lead to several developmental activities in the fields of health and education, besides creating employment opportunities for the local population.
He also affirmed that all issues concerning local and project-affected people would be addressed through revenue generation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes of the company.
The Namchik-Namphuk Central Coal Block, expected to generate about ₹100 crore annually, will serve as a major contributor to the state exchequer, significantly strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s economic foundation.
The project is anticipated to create local jobs, promote new livelihoods, and stimulate economic growth across the region.
Naveen Singhal, Chairman of Mahalaxmi Group and one of the promoters of the Namchik-Namphuk Coal Mine, along with Ratan Sharma, also spoke to the media during the event. Both expressed their commitment to ensuring local area development and providing employment to local residents through the project’s operations.
The inauguration of the Namchik-Namphuk Central Coal Block marks a milestone for Arunachal Pradesh as it steps into the domain of private commercial coal mining, paving the way for greater economic self-reliance and regional development.
