Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) has developed an open theatre and new scenic lake ‘Sapphire’ in its Block-B Area.The lake, made into a splendid Chhath Ghat on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Pooja, was inaugurated by Chairman-cum-Managing Director NCL Shri P.K.Sinha on Saturday as Chief Guest. On this occasion, Shri Gunadhar Pandey, Director (Technical/Operations) NCL, Shri Nag Nath Thakur, Director (Finance/Personnel) NCL was present as guests of honour.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Shri P.K.Sinha congratulated one and all and said that construction of new Chhath Ghat in Block-B Area heralds a new era. He expressed hope that the area will expand its production capacity from 8 million tonne to 10 million tonne in years to come. Appreciating the endeavor by Team Block-B, Shri Sinha said that NCL identifies with the cultural sentiments of its communities and the new infrastructure is testimony to company’s socio-cultural commitment to its stakeholders.
Likening Block-B Area to the rising sun, Shri Gunadhar Pandey said that Block-B Area is going from strength to strength and congratulated Team Block-B for excelling on physical and financial performance parameters in last fiscal. He also said that the new infrastructure developed by Block-B area will help employees and local populace alike.
Shri N.N.Thakur wished those fasting on Chhath and said it is a matter of pride for NCL to be able to dedicate the facility to the people on the occasion of first arghya i.e. the evening offering of Chhath festivities. He congratulated Team Block-B for developing the new infrastructure.
The CMD NCL along with D(T/O) NCL and D(F/P) NCL inspected the lake and met gathering around the lake comprising of families and people fasting on the occasion of Chhath Pooja.
Area General Manager of Block-B Shri R.B.Prasad welcomed all the guests and expressed his satisfaction at the sight of the new magnificent lake which upto few days ago was an unsightly and uninviting pit with unwanted plant weeds. Vote of thanks was presented by SO(P) Block- B Shri Sunil Kumar Tiwari.
The Area General Managers of NCL, General Managers/HOD’s of various departments of NCL along with large number of employees and people from adjacent villages were present on the occasion.
Notably, Block- B coal area of NCL has developed a scenic lake and an open theatre in Jubliee park located in front of the Guest House of the coal area. The lake, christened ‘Sapphire’, is an ideal Chhath Ghat as the broad-based staircases all along the lake facilitates large number of devotees during the Chhath Pooja. Underground drainage system has been constructed for proper drainage of water. Proper lighting arrangements have also been provided at the lake. Adjacent to the lake, an open theatre has also been developed in which a large pedestal made on concrete footing will serve as display or screening area.Combined together, this makes Block-B Area the first to develop a lake-view open theatre in NCL. The newly developed infrastructure will add a new cultural dimension to Block-B area and adjacent villages.
Added later: Visuals received from Block-B late in late in the evening on the day of inauguration showed lake glowing with colourful lights.
