• Expansion to boost local employment, skill development, and infrastructure in surrounding villages.
• Proposed capacity increase from 2 to 6.3 million tonnes per year across a 553.656-hectare area.
• Ambuja Foundation to focus on women’s empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and health improvements.

Balodabazar@The Apna Chhattisgarh । Ambuja Cement successfully conducted a public hearing regarding the environmental clearance for its proposed limestone mine expansion at a government high school in Mopar village. Over 99% of attendees expressed support for the project, citing the potential for regional employment, infrastructure development, and social progress.

Presided over by Additional District Collector Dipti Gaute (Balodabazar), ADC Abhishek Gupta (Bhatapara), and Regional Environmental Officer P.K. Rabde, the hearing witnessed active participation from hundreds of local residents, community representatives, and administrative officials.

Proposed Expansion Details:
The project involves increasing the mine’s production capacity from 2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 6.3 MTPA, with operations extending to Boirdih, Karmdih, Maldi, Mopar, and Devrani villages. Spanning 553.656 hectares, the expansion includes installing a new 1,800-tonne-per-hour crusher alongside the existing one, raising excavation capacity to 11.02 MTPA.

Community Support and Initiatives:
Local women applauded Ambuja Foundation’s ongoing health, education, and skill development programs, while youth and elders expressed optimism about increased job and training opportunities.

Mines Head Manoj Shankar Singh highlighted:
“This project will significantly enhance employment and skill development opportunities for the youth in nearby villages. Through our training programs, we aim to equip locals with skills such as e-vehicle repair and technical training,” he stated. Singh also emphasised initiatives for women’s economic empowerment through self-help groups (SHGs) and sustainable agriculture practices.

Commitment to Environmental Protection:
Ambuja Cement plans to designate 238.97 hectares (34.8%) of the mine area as a green belt to enhance biodiversity and air quality. The company’s commitment to environmental sustainability aligns with its long-term vision of community-centric growth.

Corporate and CSR Leadership Presence:
Key Ambuja Cement officials, including Corporate Affairs Head Prateek Pandey, CMO Vaibhav Dixit, Mines Head Manoj Shankar Singh, and HR Head Pushkar Chaudhary, attended the event. They outlined the project’s benefits and reiterated the company’s dedication to social and environmental well-being.

Comprehensive Rural Development:
For over two decades, Ambuja Foundation has implemented initiatives in water management, education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment across 13 villages in the region. These efforts have directly benefited over 26,000 people, fostering holistic growth in the community.

The expansion project promises to propel the region toward greater economic prosperity, with enhanced employment opportunities and improved living standards, reaffirming Ambuja Cement’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.