South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has marked a major step towards safer and more sustainable underground mining with the groundbreaking of Coal India’s first Paste Filling Technology project at the Singhali Underground Mine in the DSB Sub-Area of the Korba Area. The initiative, guided by SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Shri Harish Duhan, represents a pioneering move towards environmentally responsible underground mining. The Bhoomi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) was carried out with enthusiasm in the presence of senior SECL officials and employees. Shri Ramesh Chandra Mohapatra, Director (Technical) – Projects and Planning, SECL, attended as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries included Shri Atul Dwivedi, Managing Director (TMC), Shri Rajesh Kumar Gupta, General Manager, Korba Area, and Shri Ajay Tiwari, General Manager (Production), SECL Headquarters. The ceremony saw strong participation from officers, staff, and members of the Joint Consultative Committee of the DSB Sub-Area, underscoring SECL’s culture of teamwork and inclusive growth. A tree plantation drive followed the ceremony, with senior officials planting saplings to reaffirm SECL’s long-standing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. What Is Paste Filling Technology? Paste Filling is an advanced, eco-friendly mining method that involves filling underground voids with a specially prepared paste made from fly ash, tailings or other mining waste mixed with water and cementitious binders. This technique enhances underground stability and safety while significantly reducing surface waste disposal issues. It also helps protect water bodies, minimises land degradation and supports more sustainable mining operations. By introducing this technology at the Singhali Underground Mine, SECL has taken another meaningful step towards greener and safer mining, in line with Coal India’s broader sustainability and innovation agenda. The event concluded with a vote of thanks acknowledging the contribution of all teams and departments involved in realising this milestone project.