Union Minister of Coal and Mines Mr. Pralhad Joshi on his visit to Chhattisgarh today said that commencement of commercial coal mining will start new era of growth & development in the state.
Ending the series of speculation regarding the blocks offered from the state that the minister informed that suggestion of state government to replace 5 out of the 9 mines put under commercial coal auctions has been approved.
It is pertinent to note that the Chhattisgarh government had requested to withdraw Fatehpur East, Morga-II, Morga South, Madanpur North and Sayang blocks which fall under Hasdeo Arand, Lemru elephant reserve and Mand river catchment area, citing serious concerns over depletion of bio-diversity.
He added that 3 new mines would be introduced in replacement, so that total number of mines put on sale from the state would reach to 7, while the overall reserve of the coal of the mines shall remain almost same.(Detailed state-wise list of blocks can be seen here).
Providing his views on the briefing with Chief Minister of the state, Mr. Joshi said “the meeting was very positive, progressive and open minded. We have discussed various issues related to coal mining in the state. Some good suggestions on DMF and NMET have also been provided on which we will consider positively.”
It was informed that under commercial coal mining the state will fetch minimum INR 4,400 Crores revenue in one year. The initiative would also create around 60,000 additional employment to the people of the State.
Moreover, it will contribute around INR 25 Crores to the various District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds of the state which can be used for inclusive development of regions surrounding coalfield areas.
Proposals for Coal Evacuation:
During the meeting with CM, it was also decided to get a proposal by a committee comprising of CIL, Chhattisgarh government and MAHAGENCO officials in 15 days for shifting of a railway line of Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL).
Stressing upon the importance of coal mining for Chhattisgarh Mr. Joshi said that the state has the largest coal mine in Asia and it plays crucial role in fulfilling the power demands of country. He also informed that CIL’s holding company SECL has planned INR 26,000 Crores capex for developing infrastructures across the state in the next 4 years.
Highlighting the efforts of government in building new infrastructure for rapid & smooth coal evacuation, Mr. Joshi said that Chhattisgarh East Railway Limited (CERL), a joint venture of SECL, IRCON & CSIDC is developing a rail corridor, which is meant for meeting the logistic challenges foreseen on account of coal evacuation and providing the region with passenger train connectivity.
The corridor having a total length of 193 km is being developed in two phases. The first phase is from Kharsia to Dharamjayagarh with a route length of 131 km while the second phase with route length of 62 km will further join Dharamjayagarh with Korba with a spur up to Gare-Plama Block of coal mines.
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