Namchik–Namphuk Coal Block Launch: A New Chapter in Arunachal Pradesh’s Growth Story

 

Namchik–Namphuk Coal Block Launch: A New Chapter in Arunachal Pradesh’s Growth Story

Arunachal Pradesh marked a historic milestone on 6 October 2025 with the launch of its first commercial coal mine at the Namchik–Namphuk coal block in Changlang district. The event, led by Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy, signifies not only the state’s formal entry into India’s coal production journey but also the dawn of a new era of growth, transparency, and sustainable development in the Northeast.

The day’s proceedings began with the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony, followed by the handing over of the mining lease, the flagging off of tools and machinery of CPPL (the operating agency) to the Namchik–Namphuk central coal block, and concluded with a tree plantation drive as part of a 100-tree green initiative. The project is of immense economic and strategic importance, with coal reserves estimated at 1.5 crore tonnes and an expected annual revenue of ₹100 crore for the state.

Originally allocated in 2003, the Namchik–Namphuk coal block faced prolonged delays due to regulatory hurdles and allegations of illegal mining. It was revived through a transparent auction process in 2022, opening the doors for private sector participation and ensuring that the benefits of mining reach the people of Arunachal Pradesh in a fair and accountable manner.

This initiative embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of EAST — Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform, a guiding framework for transforming the Northeast into a key contributor to national development. It also strengthens India’s position as the world’s second-largest coal producer, having achieved a record output of 1 billion tonnes in 2024.

The project holds far-reaching implications for energy security, employment generation, and regional prosperity. Beyond its economic significance, it also symbolizes the end of illegal mining and resource exploitation in the region, ushering in a new era of regulated and transparent mineral extraction. The government has emphasized that mining in the Northeast will not compromise ecological balance, ensuring that growth remains aligned with environmental sustainability.

Under the Mission Green Coal Regions, India has already reclaimed over 57,000 hectares of mined land and aims to restore 16,000 hectares more by 2030. The inclusion of a tree plantation drive at the launch underlines the government’s commitment to a “growth with green” approach. Arunachal Pradesh is envisioned to become a global model for sustainable mining, blending economic, ecological, and community responsibilities through Jan Bhagidaari (people’s participation).

In addition to coal, critical minerals—essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and national security—are being unlocked for the first time in the Northeast. Two blocks in Arunachal Pradesh and five in Assam have been put under auction, marking a decisive step toward diversifying India’s mineral base and ensuring long-term self-reliance in strategic sectors.

Over the last eleven years, the Northeast region has witnessed investments exceeding ₹6 lakh crore, transforming it from a conflict-prone area into a dynamic “Ashtalakshmi region”, symbolizing eight forms of prosperity. In Arunachal alone, central allocations have grown from ₹6,000 crore before 2014 to ₹1 lakh crore after 2014—a sixteenfold increase. The region has undergone a connectivity revolution, with over 16,000 km of national highways, 80,000 km of rural roads, 2,000 bridges, 19 airports, and landmark infrastructure such as the Sela Tunnel and Bhupen Hazarika Bridge. Railway investments have multiplied five times, and the Northeast Gas Grid and Vibrant Villages Programme—which has connected 450 border villages—are bringing industries and communities closer to opportunity.

Recognizing that workers are the backbone of the coal sector, the government has introduced comprehensive welfare measures. These include a Corporate Salary Package with insurance and loans, ₹1 crore accident cover, ₹2 crore air accident insurance, ₹25 lakh ex-gratia for fatal accidents, and a Uniform Dress Code Scheme to promote dignity and unity among workers. Contract laborers, for the first time, are being covered under insurance and social security benefits, ensuring that development reaches those at the grassroots.

The launch of the Namchik–Namphuk coal block thus represents a holistic approach to development — one that integrates economic progress, environmental stewardship, and social welfare. It aligns seamlessly with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting local resources, local jobs, and local prosperity.

Through this project, the Government of India envisions the Northeast as a shining example of sustainable mining, where growth and greenery go hand in hand, powered by community participation and guided by the spirit of self-reliance. The Namchik–Namphuk coal block stands as a symbol of transformation — turning potential into progress, and progress into prosperity, for the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the nation as a whole.