Pralhad Joshi urges Coal Ministry and Coal India to deliberate upon steps to enhance coal production

23 Mar 2022 , 12:47 PM

Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi said that the Coal Ministry is likely to approach the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for certain relaxation in norms so that overall coal production can be further increased. Addressing a virtual function for foundation stone laying of four projects of Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), Minister Joshi urged Coal India Ltd and its subsidiaries to further enhance production to attain the set targets in coal production. He pointed out that with a steep hike in international prices domestic demand for coal has gone up considerably.

The Minister underscored that sustained supply of coal to the power sector is of paramount importance. He urged CIL and the Ministry of Coal officials to deliberate upon immediate measures required to enhance coal production. The Minister asked Coal India to complete 35 First Mile Connectivity projects as per the set deadlines. Shri Joshi complimented Northern Coal Field Ltd (NCL) for surpassing the coal production target.

The foundation stone has been laid for the projects of Nigahi Coal Handling Plant (10 million ton per annum), Bina-Kakri Coal Handling Plant (9.5 million ton per annum), the five-lane concrete road of 3.1 Km from Jayant to Singrauli and road of 49.6 Km for coal transportation in NCL projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Coal, Mines and Railways Raosaheb Patil Danve said that NCL can play a crucial role in attaining production targets of one billion ton coal by 2025. While enhancing production, environmental concerns need to be addressed. Pro-people initiative is equally important, the Minister added.

Addressing the function, Secretary Ministry of Coal Dr. Anil Kumar Jain said that investments need to be utilized properly within the stipulated time to give more momentum to mechanised transportation of coal. Indian Railways will be requested to increase rake availability as per requirement, he said.

The launch of an E-book titled “Redefining Green” under the Sustainable Development Cell (SDC) was another highlight of the function attended by Coal India CMD Pramod Agrawal, senior functionaries of the Coal Ministry, CIL and NCL.

Earlier, after the welcome address by Bhola Singh, CMD, NCL a presentation on First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects and road development projects in NCL was made by Director, (Tech/P&P).