The ministry has furnished a new list of coal blocks offered in the auction for commercial mining, thereby replacing the blocks that were initially offered from Chhattisgarh.
As per the latest modification being carried out, three blocks have been roped in to replace the five blocks against which objection was raised by Chhattisgarh state government citing concern over depletion of bio-diversity.
During his visit to the state, Coal Minister Mr. Pralhad Joshi while accepting the suggestion made by the government had informed that the swapping of blocks would be done in a manner so that the total number of blocks put up for sale from the state would reach to 7, while the overall reserves shall remain almost same.
| Name | Reserve |
| Blocks Added | |
| Dolesara | 622.22 |
| Jarekela | 585 |
| Jharpalam-Tangarghat | 500 |
| Sum (A) | 1707.22 |
| Blocks Withdrawn | |
| Morga South | 432.54 |
| Morga II | 350.7 |
| Fatehpur East | 297.84 |
| Madanpur (North) | 185.38 |
| Sayang | 150 |
| Sum (B) | 1416.46 |
| Difference (A-B) | 290.76 |
Quantity in Million Tonnes
The introduction of new blocks has resulted in a net addition of 290.76 mn t to the coal reserve recorded from the state. Other 4 blocks in the state are: Gare Palema-IV/1, Gare Palema IV/7, Sonadih and Shankar Bhatgaon.
Auction process for commercial mining has landed in hot-water ever-since the announcement was made. At present, 38 blocks are listed for sale which was initially launched with 41 blocks.
It is pertinent to note that Bander coal block from Maharashtra has already been withdrawn after it fell under Tabola-Andheri Tiger reserve.
Moreover, the schedule for auction has also been extended upon request made by various stakeholders, which is now envisaged to commence from Oct ’20.
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