Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), Nagpur Area, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur Division, Government of Maharashtra. The agreement will support a mushroom cultivation project under WCL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.
The MoU was signed on August 20, 2026. The project will establish controlled-condition mushroom cultivation infrastructure at Pauni Range in Ramtek Tehsil under the Nagpur Forest Division.
Mushroom Cultivation Project Gets Rs 35.39 Lakh CSR Support
WCL Nagpur Area will provide one-time CSR assistance of Rs 35.39 lakh for the initiative.
The project aims to promote sustainable livelihoods and create opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship. It will focus particularly on communities living in areas affected by human-wildlife conflict.
Mushroom Cultivation to Benefit Over 40 Villages
The initiative is expected to benefit communities across more than 40 villages. These include Pauni, Hiwrabazar, Salai and adjoining areas.
Local residents will receive scientific training in mushroom cultivation and farm management. The programme will also cover related cultivation practices needed to run the facilities effectively.
Project to Create Sustainable Livelihoods
The mushroom cultivation initiative is designed to provide communities with supplementary income opportunities. It will help participants develop practical skills that can support long-term livelihood generation.
The project will also create a community asset that can continue to support local economic activity beyond the initial CSR intervention.
WCL and Forest Department Join Hands
The MoU was signed by Harshad Datar, Area General Manager, WCL Nagpur Area, and Dr. Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur Forest Division (Territorial).
The partnership combines WCL’s CSR support with the Forest Department’s local implementation framework. The initiative is aimed at promoting livelihood development while supporting communities in forest-fringe areas.
Key Project Details
WCL Nagpur Area will provide Rs 35.39 lakh in one-time CSR assistance for a controlled-condition mushroom cultivation project at Pauni Range in Ramtek Tehsil. The initiative is expected to benefit communities across more than 40 villages in the Nagpur Forest Division. It will provide training in scientific mushroom cultivation, farm management and related practices, with a focus on sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship and supplementary income generation.
