Pralhad Joshi asks MoEFCC, states to operationalise coal blocks allotted to PSUs faster

New Delhi: Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi has urged state governments and the Environment Ministry to work in synergy with each other for the early operationalisation of coal blocks allocated to PSUs. This is a pressing issue facing the public sector as several coal blocks allocated to them are stuck in a quagmire due to reasons like delay in land acquisition, environment and forest clearances, non-availability of land records as well as law and order issues.

"Chaired a meeting with officials of @CoalMinistry, State Govts & @moefcc for better synergy among inter-ministerial departments, to help in operationalising coal blocks allocated to PSUs. Sought a detailed roadmap to expedite operationalisation of such blocks," Joshi tweeted after the meeting.

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8 coal mines alloted to PSUs to start production this year: Joshi

Joshi added that eight coal mines alloted to PSUs are expected to start coal production this year. "8 mines, with a PRC of 28.5 MT are likely to start coal production this year. Happy to note that there is a growth of 38 percent in coal production (April-Oct) over last year. Emphasised on achieving annual target of 138.3 MT," said Joshi on Twitter.

'2 coal mines allotted to pvt companies have started coal production'

The minister also discussed the issue of early operationalisation of coal blocks awarded under the commercial coal mine auction regime at the meeting. "Held a meeting with private allottees of auctioned coal blocks, officials from State Govts & @moefcc for better coordination & early operationalisation of blocks. Carried out detailed review of each mine & deliberated on support needed to expedite operationalisation," said Joshi.

"Happy to note that auctions for commercial coal mining have started yielding results. Gare Palma IV/I & Gare Palma IV/7 mines in Chhattisgarh have started coal production, registering 2.85 MT & 0.67 MT coal production respectively, till October 2022. Urged companies to make use of single window clearance system & Project Monitoring Unit at @CoalMinistry," he said.

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