Development in commercial mining had already landed in hot water after various state governments raised their concerns regarding clearance of blocks for sale. In the latest series of event, the coal ministry has decided to withdraw Bander block from the tentative list that was initially put up for auction.
Amongst the three coal blocks offered from Maharastra state, Bander block falls under Tabola- Andhari Tiger Reserve, which has been declared as eco-sensitive zone by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change. Consequently, with mining activities prohibited in the region, Bander was removed from the primary list of 41 coal blocks.
Comprising a geological reserve of 126.105 mn t and peak rated capacity of 2 mn t per annum, the block has proven reserve of good quality non-coking coal having average grade of G7. The decision would come as a big blow for government plans to expedite the allotment process.
Notably, state government of Chhattisgarh has made request to withdraw five blocks which fall under Hasdeo Arand, Lemru elephant reserve and Mand river catchment area. Besides, Jharkhand government has filed a case in Supreme Court opposing the commercial coal mining.
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