Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a coal mining company under the Ministry of Coal, has committed ₹22.64 crore to five development projects in Sundargarh district of Odisha. The company signed memoranda of understanding with the District Administration on 14 October 2026 to implement these initiatives, which focus on water conservation, farming and community welfare.
Key facts
- Total commitment: ₹22.64 crore
- Number of projects: Five
- Kata Bandha rejuvenation: ₹4.32 crore
- Brahmani Bandha rejuvenation: ₹3.98 crore
- Abdul Hussain Bandha rejuvenation: ₹2.69 crore
- Freshwater inland aquaculture in Hemgir Block: ₹3.81 crore
- Tank renovation in Talsara Assembly Constituency: ₹7.84 crore
- Target beneficiaries for aquaculture: Over 700 small-scale farmers and FPO members
- New ponds to be developed: 50
- Existing ponds to be renovated: 20
- District: Sundargarh, Odisha
Water body rejuvenation projects
MCL will rehabilitate three water bodies in Sundargarh district as part of the Amrit Sarovar mission, which aims to restore and develop water bodies across India. Kata Bandha will receive ₹4.32 crore, Brahmani Bandha will get ₹3.98 crore, and Abdul Hussain Bandha will receive ₹2.69 crore for rejuvenation and beautification work.
The improvements will include embankment protection, pathways, bathing steps, stone packing, railings and seating spaces. Electrical installations and horticultural work are also part of the plan. These measures aim to conserve water, improve groundwater levels and create recreational destinations that can generate tourism and local business opportunities.
Tank renovation and construction
Under Talsara Assembly Constituency, MCL will spend ₹7.84 crore on renovation, improvement and construction of water storage tanks. The District Administration will oversee this work, which aligns with broader water resource management objectives in the district.
Aquaculture scheme for farmers
MCL has allocated ₹3.81 crore for inland freshwater aquaculture in mining-affected areas of Hemgir Block. This project is linked to the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which promotes agricultural and allied sector development.
The scheme will benefit over 700 small-scale farmers and members of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). MCL will develop 50 new ponds and renovate 20 existing ponds for fish farming. The project also includes setting up women-led fish seed production units, Custom Hiring Centres for shared agricultural equipment, an Aqua Business School to provide training, and a Fish Farmers Producers’ Organisation (FFPO) to help farmers access markets and credit.
Implementation and governance
The District Collector of Sundargarh and the General Manager (CSR) of MCL signed the memoranda of understanding, indicating that the District Administration will lead implementation of all five projects. This coordination between the coal company and local government aims to ensure that the work is completed efficiently and meets community needs.
What this means for you
If you are a farmer or FPO member in Hemgir Block, you may benefit from new or upgraded ponds for fish farming, training through the Aqua Business School, and access to the Fish Farmers Producers’ Organisation network. Women entrepreneurs in these areas can participate in fish seed production units.
Local communities in villages near Kata Bandha, Brahmani Bandha and Abdul Hussain Bandha will gain improved water bodies for bathing, recreation and fishing. The infrastructure improvements may also create jobs during construction and boost local tourism and economic activity.
If you live in Talsara Assembly Constituency, expanded or renovated water storage tanks may improve water availability for agriculture and domestic use.
Connection to national schemes
These projects align with two national initiatives. The Amrit Sarovar mission focuses on restoring 75,000 water bodies across India to improve water security and environmental health. The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana aims to increase agricultural productivity and farmer incomes through sustainable practices and modern infrastructure.