MAHATMA GANDHI ECO-PARK

An Innovative Initiative by WCL

Eco-Mine Tourism, A reality in India !!!!

Eco-park is the first of its kind of initiative to promote Eco-Mine tourism in India. Knowing Coal Mining Industry wasn’t fun. But now it is! The Eco-Park situated in the scenic landscape at Saoner, about 40 km from Nagpur, has not only simplified the understanding of coal mining process but also has made it enjoyable. It spans 6.35 Hectare of area facilitating understanding about coal mining industry and its efforts towards nation building.

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has introduced this novel initiative with the aim of dispelling notions of pollution and environmental degradation related to Coal and Mining Operations in India.

WCL conducts tours of two operational coal mines - Saoner Underground Mine and Gondegaon Opencast Mine. An Eco-Park has been created in between these two mines where tourists can enjoy the nature and also learn about the mining environment before entering the mines.

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi mentioned The Eco-Park at Saoner in his “Mann Ki Baat” program on 27^th March, 2016. He gave his wishes and compliments to the efforts undertaken by WCL in developing and executing the concept of Mine Tourism.

The Eco Mine Tourism Circuit offers supportive natural habitat for local flora and fauna. The Eco-Park is surrounded by 4 underground and 1 open cast coal mine in close vicinity. It utilizes mine water for gardening, water conservation and amusement purposes while showcasing several demonstrable technologies such as solar electrification of water pump, rain water harvesting and micro irrigation.

The park has several scientific models and a battery-operated toy train made by company’s workmen using mine scrap material. It also has an artificial mine tunnel and machines such as Load-Haul-Dump (LHD), Side Discharge Loader (SDL) and Universal Drill Machine (UDM) used in underground coal mines.

The Eco Mine Museum at the park, with its gallery and movie theatre, provides awareness about the history of coal formation, coal reserves, coal mining technologies and other information related to the industry. The souvenir Shop at the Mahatma Gandhi Eco-Park has products made by persons with intellectual needs and is largely visited.

It is your involvement and support that makes Mahatma Gandhi Eco-Park stand taller amongst the many Sustainable Development initiatives by WCL.

Welcome @ Mahatma Gandhi Eco-Park