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CMPDI wants Green hurdles in coal exploration lifted

India Coal Market Watch

December 7: The Union government should remove Green hurdles in coal exploration to speed up exploratory drilling for estimating coal reserves in unexplored blocks, a senior official from the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) told ICMW.

“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 official.

 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 official 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.