Archive · 29 Jul 2026
NLCIL Faces Criticism Over Community Development in Odisha
NLC India Limited (NLCIL) started mining coal in Odisha a few years ago, promising to bring jobs and better infrastructure to the local communities.
However, people in the area say that even though the company has made a lot of money, their basic needs like clean water, good roads, and healthcare are still not being met.
They also say that the company's plans to help the community through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) are not working well because of too much bureaucracy and confusion.
The locals want the company to appoint someone who knows the area well to make sure the money is used properly to help the community.
NLCIL began mining operations in Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, Odisha, in 2019, promising community development.
Despite generating nearly Rs 2,000 crore in profits, basic developmental needs like water, roads, and healthcare remain unaddressed.
Local stakeholders criticize the ineffective utilization of CSR funds due to administrative overlaps and bureaucratic delays.
Community leaders demand the appointment of a CSR officer with local knowledge to streamline planning and optimize resource use.
The lack of tangible development has led to growing public dissatisfaction among the affected communities.
- Who
- NLC India Limited (NLCIL) and the affected communities in Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, Odisha
- What
- Criticism over the lack of meaningful community development despite industrial growth and profits from coal mining
- When
- Issues date back to the Supreme Court's 2014 judgment and continue to the present
- Where
- Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, Odisha
- Why
- Despite significant profits and mining operations, basic developmental needs remain unaddressed, and CSR funds are not being effectively utilized.
NLCIL's Perspective
Community's Perspective
Development Progress
NLCIL's Perspective
NLCIL has generated significant profits and initiated mining operations, contributing to industrial growth.
Community's Perspective
Basic developmental needs like water, roads, and healthcare remain unaddressed despite the profits.
CSR Implementation
NLCIL's Perspective
NLCIL has earmarked funds for CSR initiatives and is working on various projects.
Community's Perspective
CSR funds are not being effectively utilized due to administrative overlaps and bureaucratic delays.
- Company
- NLC India Limited (NLCIL)
- Location
- Jharsuguda and Sambalpur, Odisha
- Project
- Talabira II & III coal blocks
- Coal Production Start Date
- April 26, 2020
- Profits Generated
- Nearly Rs 2,000 crore
- Key Issues
- Water, roads, healthcare, sanitation, livelihood promotion, and essential public services