Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, undertook a visit to the Gevra mine of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) in Chhattisgarh today. Widely acknowledged as the world’s second-largest coal mine, Gevra stands as a testament to India’s advancing energy prowess. The Minister’s visit underscored the Government’s steadfast commitment to frontline workers and its ongoing efforts to boost both productivity and welfare within the coal sector. Upon arrival at Gevra House, the Minister was honoured with a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the CISF contingent. At the mine viewpoint, SECL officials presented a comprehensive overview of the mine’s achievements and current developments. Shri Reddy felicitated coal miners—including women—for their tireless dedication to uninterrupted coal production, a vital component of India’s energy security. Witnessing India’s Mining Might The Minister ventured into the depths of the expansive mining operations, observing first-hand the deployment of cutting-edge equipment such as the colossal 42-cubic-metre shovel and 240-tonne dumper—among the largest Heavy Earth Moving Machines (HEMMs) in the world. He also reviewed the advanced blast-free surface miner technology and visited the newly developed silos under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiative, designed to enable eco-friendly and sustainable coal evacuation. A Day with the Workforce In a heartwarming gesture, Shri Reddy engaged directly with operators inside their equipment cabins, acknowledging their critical role in fuelling the nation’s energy demands. He then joined workers for lunch at the mine’s canteen and captured the moment with a group selfie—an act that significantly uplifted the morale of the workforce. Embracing Green Practices Demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the Minister visited SECL’s Miyawaki plantation pilot site, where saplings have been planted using the innovative Japanese afforestation technique. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Kalyan Mandap, a versatile facility for employee welfare and community functions. Coal: The Backbone of India’s Energy Landscape In his address, Shri Reddy reaffirmed coal’s indispensable role in India’s development, pointing out that more than 70% of the country’s electricity is generated from coal. He called for a balanced approach that prioritises both progress and sustainability, urging the sector to embrace responsible mine closure practices and higher environmental standards.