Dhanbad, July 23: In a first of its kind initiative aimed at promoting water conservation and sustainable mining, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has launched its maiden ‘Coal Neer’ water bottling plant at Putki in Dhanbad, transforming treated coal mine water into safe drinking water for employees and, eventually, the general public.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹2.3 crore, the plant was virtually inaugurated by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy during a function organised by the Ministry of Coal in New Delhi.
The initiative seeks to utilise mine water that was previously considered waste, while advancing groundwater conservation, environmental sustainability and community welfare.
The plant purifies mine water through advanced filtration, Reverse Osmosis (RO), ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and other scientific treatment processes before bottling it. In the initial phase, 250 ml, 500 ml and one-litre bottles of ‘Coal Neer’ will be supplied across BCCL offices and institutions.
The company plans to expand distribution to the general public in the next phase and also introduce 20-litre packaged water jars for nearby communities.
With a production capacity of approximately 2.4 lakh bottles per month, the facility marks the beginning of a larger plan to establish similar water bottling plants across all 14 operational areas of BCCL. The next such plant is proposed to come up at Sudamdih.
Speaking on the initiative, BCCL Director (Personnel) Murali Krishna Ramaiah said the coalfields possess enormous untapped water resources.
“The coal mines have vast reserves of water. The quantity is so abundant that it could provide sufficient drinking water to the entire Dhanbad district if needed,” he said.
He added that the project would also generate livelihood opportunities.
“The water will be used in all BCCL offices. In the future, such plants will be installed in all 14 of the company’s areas. The project will provide self-employment to local women, and the plant will produce approximately 2.40 lakh bottles per month,” Ramaiah said.
BCCL Director (Finance) Rajesh Kumar said the company’s objective was to make safe drinking water accessible rather than compete with commercial bottled water brands.
“Our objective is not to compete with any private water bottling company, but to provide safe drinking water to the surrounding villagers at affordable prices,” he said.
“Villagers will be able to purchase 20-litre packaged water directly from the plant,” Kumar added.
Plant agency official Vikas Sahu said converting highly saline mine water into potable water required overcoming several technical challenges.
“The mine water is highly saline and the plant personnel faced several technical challenges in making it completely potable. After modern purification systems and continuous testing, the water is now completely safe, clean, and meets all drinking water standards,” he said.
The initiative has also received a positive response from local residents.
“The Coal Neer Plant is a commendable initiative by BCCL. This will not only provide safe drinking water to the people of the area but will also increase local employment opportunities,” local resident Sanjeet Singh said.
BCCL said the project represents a significant step towards the productive utilisation of mine water, environmental conservation and community development, while creating new employment opportunities, particularly for local women.
