Coal ministry urges faster operationalization of 71 coal blocks to boost domestic production

Chaired by Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority Rupinder Brar, the meeting emphasized the need for faster regulatory clearances for the mines, which are spread across nine states. These include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal.

New Delhi: The ministry of coal held a comprehensive meeting to review the status of 71 coal blocks, which are in various stages of operationalization, in a bid to enhance domestic coal production. Chaired by Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority Rupinder Brar, the meeting emphasized the need for faster regulatory clearances for the mines, which are spread across nine states. These include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal.

The review meeting comes as part of the government's broader strategy to address hurdles in operationalizing coal blocks, particularly those in advanced stages of the process. The government’s aim is to maximize domestic resources and reduce the country's dependence on coal imports, aligning with India’s growing energy needs.

The coal ministry remains focused on strengthening India’s energy security, with a continued push for increased domestic coal production. This initiative is part of a long-term plan to support India’s sustainable economic development by reducing reliance on imported coal..