Now Reading: Coal block operationalisation timelines cut by 11-14 months
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Coal block operationalisation timelines cut by 11-14 months
Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said policy reforms have cut the operationalisation timeline for fully explored coal blocks by 11 months, from 51 to 40 months, and for partially explored blocks by…
The Story in Brief
Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said policy reforms have cut the operationalisation timeline for fully explored coal blocks by 11 months, from 51 to 40 months, and for partially explored blocks by 14 months, from 66 to 52 months. Speaking at a Consultative Committee meeting on Wednesday, Dutt said captive and commercial mines contributed 20% of India's coal production last financial year.
Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy said 14 rounds of commercial coal auctions are complete, with the 15th under way. Meanwhile, the CIL board declared an interim dividend of Rs 5.50 per share for FY27. Committee members urged balancing commercial mining growth with environmental and community concerns.
The Indian Opinion
The government frames faster coal block operationalisation as a win for energy security, but the narrative often glosses over environmental costs. Mining expansion without robust safeguards risks displacing communities and damaging forests. The real test will be whether the faster approvals come with stricter compliance, a question the ministry's consultative committee must answer. Watch for the number of environmental clearances actually granted under the new timelines.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
