MCL Wins Land Dispute, Mine Expansion Cleared

The Orissa High Court has directed Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) to take possession of land at Hensamul for the long-delayed Bhubaneswari open-cast mine expansion and to provide transit accommodation to 25 affected villagers within a month.

The Court also ordered residents to hand over the disputed land and instructed MCL to expedite completion of the permanent resettlement site. The project had been stalled since 2015 due to a legal dispute involving 102 villagers from Talasahi hamlet, who—despite receiving compensation, jobs, and plots under Odisha’s R&R policy—had sought additional benefits in 2014.

With the dispute now resolved, MCL confirmed that the mine expansion—critical for supporting India’s growing energy needs—can move forward. The court’s decision is seen as a significant step toward enhancing coal production and ensuring energy security, with MCL expected to fast-track its resettlement obligations.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.