West Bengal’s Deucha Coal Project to Rely Mostly on Underground Mining

21 Apr 2025 CW Team

Underground Mining for Sustainability

According to WBPDCL, the coal seam in the Deucha area lies 300 meters beneath the surface, making open-cast mining impractical for the majority of the site. Instead, underground mining will be used for around 3,400 acres of the project, while only 326 acres will be allocated for open-cast mining primarily for basalt extraction and to create access ducts. This method is expected to significantly reduce environmental damage compared to traditional open-cast mining.

WBPDCL officials argue that underground mining, although more complex and expensive, is necessary due to the deep coal seams, which exceed the depth of India’s deepest open-cast mines. This technique, they assert, will ensure minimal land disruption and prevent the need for displacing communities.

Pilot Operation and Land Acquisition

The project’s pilot operation began in February 2025, covering a 12-acre area for tree transplantation and initial mining activities. While 103 acres of the 326-acre open-cast zone are government-owned, the remaining land is being acquired from private owners, with compensation offered at ?13 lakh per bigha, alongside government job offers. WBPDCL claims that no residential buildings or homes exist on the acquired land, although this has been contested by some critics.

The coal reserves at Deucha are estimated to be among the world’s largest untapped reserves, with an estimated 500 million tonnes of basalt and 1,240 million tonnes of coal. The project is expected to generate around ?30,000 crore in investment and contribute up to 3 million tonnes of coal annually, primarily for West Bengal’s thermal power plants, reducing the region’s reliance on external coal sources.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

In a bold claim ahead of state elections, the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) announced that nearly 90% of the Deucha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harinsingha coal mining project will rely on underground mining techniques. The project, located in Birbhum district, is being promoted as a low-impact, non-displacement initiative, with officials asserting that no homes or infrastructure will need to be evicted. Underground Mining for Sustainability According to WBPDCL, the coal seam in the Deucha area lies 300 meters beneath the surface, making open-cast mining impractical for the majority of the site. Instead, underground mining will be used for around 3,400 acres of the project, while only 326 acres will be allocated for open-cast mining primarily for basalt extraction and to create access ducts. This method is expected to significantly reduce environmental damage compared to traditional open-cast mining. WBPDCL officials argue that underground mining, although more complex and expensive, is necessary due to the deep coal seams, which exceed the depth of India’s deepest open-cast mines. This technique, they assert, will ensure minimal land disruption and prevent the need for displacing communities. Pilot Operation and Land Acquisition The project’s pilot operation began in February 2025, covering a 12-acre area for tree transplantation and initial mining activities. While 103 acres of the 326-acre open-cast zone are government-owned, the remaining land is being acquired from private owners, with compensation offered at ?13 lakh per bigha, alongside government job offers. WBPDCL claims that no residential buildings or homes exist on the acquired land, although this has been contested by some critics. The coal reserves at Deucha are estimated to be among the world’s largest untapped reserves, with an estimated 500 million tonnes of basalt and 1,240 million tonnes of coal. The project is expected to generate around ?30,000 crore in investment and contribute up to 3 million tonnes of coal annually, primarily for West Bengal’s thermal power plants, reducing the region’s reliance on external coal sources.

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..