Sec. Gen Speak

Dear Friends,

It is indeed a pleasure to speak to you

Coal, a carbon-intensive energy source, is at the centre of a global debate on energy and climate policy. In a growing number of developed countries, the elimination of coal-fired generation is a key climate policy goal. In India as well as other countries especially in Asia Pacific Region, coal still remains the preferred source of electricity generation and is seen as an abundant and affordable energy base load source.

As the World is trying hard to find viable alternative energy sources, coal continues to maintain its sheen in India , China and the Asia Pacific region and shall continue to dominate the energy scene for at least next two-three decades positively.

To meet the rising need of Indian economy, India is forced to increase its coal production at fast growth rate of 12 to 13%. The coal India Target for 2023-24 is 1012 Mt. out of which CIL share 780 Mt. In the 1^st Qtr.  Cil has produced 223 mt against 205 ml ton. Out of a All India Target of 1012 mt. target of others/ Commercial coal block holders is around 150 mt, Last year production of this sector was 123 Mt. &  had a growth of 34% over previous year. This year expected growth will be around 23%. There is very very high level of confidence that Coal production in year 2023-24 will reach a billion tons.

I would like to mention some of the common problems being faced by the coal block allocates which delay the process of coal block development and some humble suggestions to overcome these constraints. 

1. The actual area of the Coal block in most cases does not agree with that shown in the Tender Document. We suggest that the area as measured   on the basis of DGPS survey should be taken as final. 
2.   All States where Commercial Blocks are located should be requested to ear mark as much Non- Forest Land as possible for being offered on payment as land for compensatory afforestation.   
3. Considerable time is being taken by MOEF in releasing Terms of Reference (TOR) on the basis of which EMP is to be prepared.  It is suggested that standard TORs should be prepared by MOEF and in special circumstances, special conditions may be incorporated. 
4. Many a times some area in Coal Blocks allocated, plenty of area has  been worked out by the  neighbouring mine of CIL Block Allottee needs to be  compensated. 
5. It has been noted that Efficiency parameters permit only 6 months time for getting Mining Plans / Mine Closure Plans   approved by MOC.  Many a times, the Geological Report is not complete in all respects. Takes long to get the missing data from CMPDI. Time limit be imposed on CMPDI   & also for approval of the Mining Plan/Mine Closure Plan by Ministry of Coal. 
6. The concerned State Government should be made a party to the agreement between Block Allocatees and Ministry of Coal.
7. Roads belonging to State Government PWD/ Gram Sabha/ National Highways and power lines have to be diverted. The concerned Authorities should be specified time frame within which the estimate for construction of Diversion road and for completion of work once the money is deposited by the Allocatees.

 I would like to mention some of the common problems being faced by the coal block Allocatees which delay the process of coal block development and some humble suggestions to overcome these constraints.  We took up these issues with Ministry of Coal in the CPA workshop on 3^rd October 2023 with Mr. M. Nagaraju, Additional Secretary / Nominated Authority Ministry of Coal who was Chief Guest and he took note of these issues and assured to look into these issues for resolving them.