Talcher: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community welfare, with the latest initiative focusing on health and environmental enhancement in the Jagannath Area. On December 12, 2025, Shri Ashok Kumar Dhal, the General Manager of the Jagannath Area under MCL, inaugurated the newly developed Swasthya Dham.
The Swasthya Dham, which translates to ‘Abode of Health,’ is located at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Nursery within the Jagannath Area. This project exemplifies MCL’s dedication to utilizing its resources and land for the greater good of the community, often transforming operational or reclaimed sites into spaces designed for public utility and wellness.
The new facility is envisioned as a holistic wellness center, primarily serving the employees and residents of the Jagannath Area and the surrounding localities. It is designed to encourage outdoor physical activity and mental relaxation, contributing significantly to the overall well-being of the population. The Swasthya Dham features walking and jogging tracks, open-air exercise equipment, and dedicated green spaces for meditation and yoga.
This development is part of MCL’s broader strategy to intertwine its mining operations with sustainable community development. The company’s CSR efforts in the Jagannath Area have consistently focused on creating a positive impact through various interventions in health, education, infrastructure, and environmental conservation.
In addition to the Swasthya Dham, the Jagannath Area’s CSR portfolio includes several other noteworthy projects. These range from constructing community halls and improving educational facilities to undertaking massive afforestation drives on mined-out lands, turning barren landscapes into vibrant, green ecosystems. The Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Nursery itself, where the Swasthya Dham is located, is a testament to MCL’s environmental commitment, serving as a hub for growing saplings used in large-scale reclamation projects and adding to the local green cover.
Shri Dhal, while inaugurating the facility, reiterated MCL’s resolve to continue working in tandem with the local community to identify and execute meaningful welfare projects that align with the company’s core values of responsibility and sustainability. The inauguration of Swasthya Dham marks another milestone in MCL’s journey to ensure that the benefits of its operations extend far beyond coal production, contributing to a healthier and greener future for all stakeholders in the region.