Coal news and updates

3 more cos hauled over coals for slow block development

January 7: Continuing with its hardline stance, the Ministry of Coal (MoC) show-caused three more companies with end-use plants and sought explanation from another three for the slow progress in the development of their respective blocks.

The companies show-caused include Damodar Valley Corporation with regard to its Saharpur Jamarpani coal block, Bhushan Steel Ltd and Jai Balaji Industries and Rashmi Cement in respect of Andal East coal block and Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation. in respect of Amelia coal block.

To expedite the development of the blocks, review meetings had been held from time to time. However, the Inter-Ministerial Group set up under the MoC found several critical milestones pending. Keeping in view the unsatisfactory progress, the IMG has recommended issuing a show-cause to these three entities, asking why the delay should not be held as a violation of the terms and conditions of allocation.

These companies have been given 20 days since the issue of the notice (January 3, 2014) to respond.

The companies from which explanations have been sought include Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation in respect of Bicharpur block, West Bengal Power Development Corporation (WBPDCL) for Pachwara North coal block and Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board for Parsa block. These too have been given time till 20 days from the date of issue of the notice (January 2014) to explain on each milestone separately, failing which appropriate action will be taken, the MoC said through an official release.