Coal news and updates

CMPDI’s Forestry applications pile up

The Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) is facing increased pendency in getting Forestry Clearance (FC) for its drilling projects from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), a company source told ICMW.

As a result, the number of drilling projects awaiting FC has increased to 87 as on April 15 from 82 at the start of the year (2016), the source said.

“Before 2006, there was no Green hurdle for exploration. If such a policy is brought back, our job will be made much easier,” said the source.

Currently, CMPDI is allowed to dig only two bore holes per sq km area, as against 15-20 required for their job. Besides, the projects are being taken up for forestry clearance on a case-to-case basis.

“All these restrictions are piling up the number of projects pending clearances. In the coming years, there will be many number of new blocks we need to explore. But what will the situation be if this hurdle remains?” the source said.

“In the ideal scenario, there should be no Green hurdle for exploration. One should complete exploration of a block and then decide if mining should be allowed or not,” he added.