Govt lets coal mines hike output without feedback
NEW DELHI: The environment ministry has allowed coal mines with clearances to increase output by 40% to step up production by up to 50% without seeking feedback from residents, it said in a memo examined by Reuters.
The decision was taken after a request from the coal ministry which pointed to “big pressure on domestic coal supply in the country,” the ministry stated in a memo dated May 7, adding that the “unique dispensation” will stand for 6 months.
India is also preparing to reopen more than 100 coal mines previously considered financially unsustainable, as the worst power crisis in over six years driven by a scorching heatwave requires the world’s third-biggest greenhouse gas emitter to double down on the fuel after months of low usage.
The projects “shall be approved expansion environmental clearance to increase their production capability to 50% of initial capacity within the same mine lease location without requiring revised environmental impact assessment report for additional capacity and public consultation,” the memo read.
Demand for coal has risen due to post-pandemic economic recovery and an unrelenting heatwave. The government is forcing utilities to step up imports and Coal India to increase production to address supply lacks. find out more
India, the world’s second-largest producer, importer and customer of coal behind China, addresses nearly 75% of its electrical energy requirement using coal.
Published at Wed, 11 May 2022 17:48:24 +0000