Bilaspur : South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) celebrated the 79th Independence Day with great patriotic fervour. The main celebration was held at the Vasant Vihar Sports Ground, SECL Bilaspur, where the Chief Guest, Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Mr. Harish Duhan, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the parade. On this occasion, the CMD also inspected the main parade.
In his address, Mr. Duhan stated that SECL is fully committed to ensuring the nation’s energy security while contributing to the building of a self-reliant and developed India. Today, SECL’s name is well established not only in India but also internationally. Our Gevra mine is Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest mine, standing as a testament to our technological advancement, operational efficiency, organizational capability, and team spirit. We are not only leaders in production but are also advancing towards Sustainable Mining.
As the first coal PSU in India, SECL has signed an agreement to adopt Paste Fill Mining Technology. In line with the Ministry of Coal and Coal India’s UG Vision, SECL is prioritizing underground coal production and promoting Mass Production Technology in its mines. With an eye on the future of coal transportation, SECL is playing a leading role in developing rail logistics through its rail corridor projects.
Sustainable Development is the core of our operations. Since its inception, SECL has planted over 30 million saplings, playing a vital role in greening the coalfields. The company has also launched special plantation projects based on the Japanese Miyawaki method, rapidly creating dense forests in Gevra and Raigarh areas.
SECL is also making serious and concrete efforts in the field of green energy. To date, we have installed over 40 MW of solar power capacity and set a target of producing 700 MW of solar power by 2030, aiming to become a net-positive energy company.
In FY 2024-25, SECL provided employment to 807 individuals — the highest in the last decade. In the current financial year 2025-26, as of July 2025, 222 people have already been employed, and this process is continuing.
Our CSR scheme ‘SECL Ki Dhadkan’ is nothing short of a boon for children in coalfield regions suffering from congenital heart diseases. Under this initiative, more than 139 children from remote areas of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have undergone successful surgeries. Under ‘SECL ke Sushrut’, talented children from economically weaker sections in coalfield areas are given free residential coaching for NEET. This year too, the students’ hard work paid off, with 31 out of 40 students clearing NEET and moving towards realizing their dream of becoming doctors.
SECL is fully committed to providing equal opportunities to women and empowering them. Our women engineers are working in underground mines and playing courageous roles in the rescue team. Recently, we inaugurated Coal India’s first fully women-operated dispensary and Condition-Based Monitoring Lab.
Earlier in the day, at the SECL Administrative Building premises, Director (HR) Mr. Biranchi Das, in the presence of departmental heads, trade union representatives, officers, and employees, paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Smarak, the statue of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, and the Miner’s statue. He then hoisted the National Flag and took the salute of the parade presented by the security guards.
The main function at Vasant Vihar Sports Ground was attended by Director (Technical – Operations & Project Planning) Mr. N. Franklin Jaykumar, Director (HR) Mr. Biranchi Das, Director (Finance) Mr. D. Sunil Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer Mr. Himanshu Jain, President of Shraddha Mahila Mandal Mrs. Shashi Duhan, Vice Presidents Mrs. Anita Franklin, Mrs. Ipsita Das, Mrs. Hasina Kumar, Mrs. Vinita Jain, various departmental heads, trade union representatives, officers, employees, and school children.
At the ceremony, the guests jointly released pigeons and balloons into the sky, sending a message of peace. Students from DAV Public School, Loyola School, Holy Nursery School, Dreamland, and Krishna Public School presented captivating patriotic songs and dances.
On this occasion, the Chief Guest presented awards to the Best Drill Squad, Best Turnout Squad, and Best Uniform in the parade. SECL employees and their children who had excelled in various fields were also felicitated.
The event was anchored by Mr. Sheikh Zakir Hussain, Chief Manager (Environment), and Security Inspector Mr. M.P. Jangde.
Public Relations Officer
SECL, Bilaspur
