Guwahati, 20th July: The Centre for Indian Trade Union (CITU) Margherita branch has expressed strong support for Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s decision to initiate coal production at the Tikok Colliery West Expansion under Northeastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd, Margherita.
CITU Margherita branch president Pradip Ghoshal and working president Sanjib Baruah welcomed the move, noting that the matter was discussed on June 16, 2024, during Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kisan Reddy’s visit to Guwahati, where the Tikok West Expansion Open Cast Project (OCP) was a key topic.
To facilitate the project, the State Government has agreed to settle the required land at a discounted rate of 50% of its valuation. This decision was approved by the State Cabinet in a meeting on July 10, involving the settlement of approximately 1580 Bighas of government land in favor of North-Eastern Coalfields, Coal India Limited, Margherita, for Tikok West Expansion OCP. The financial settlement amounts to Rs. 43,44,91,750, representing 50% of the zonal value of the land. Other statutory dues will remain as per legal provisions, Baruah confirmed.
“The expansion of Tikok West OCP will significantly benefit the economy of the Margherita subdivision and bolster the operations of North-Eastern Coalfields Coal India Ltd, Margherita,” stated Sanjib Baruah.
This initiative is expected to provide a substantial economic boost to the region and solidify the status of North-Eastern Coalfields as a key player in India’s coal industry.
Read More: Assam to Plant Three Crore Saplings in August as Part of Ambitious Green Initiative