NTPC asks MOEF to remove Dulanga block from 'no go' list

State-run NTPC has requested the Ministry of Environment and Forests to remove the Dulanga coal block in Orissa from the list of 'no go' areas where mining activities are prohibited.

"Only one of the coal blocks (Dulanga in Orissa) allotted to us has gone into the no-go area... We have taken it up with the MOEF," NTPC CMD Arup Roy Chowdhury told reporters here.

NTPC is optimistic about getting the coal block back. "We are hopeful we would get it very soon," Chowdhury said.

'No-go' areas are zones where the Ministry of Environment and Forests has prohibited coal mining, citing environmental concerns.

The company said planned investment and development activities in the block have been delayed due to the indicative categorisation of the area as a 'No-Go' zone by the MOEF.

NTPC is currently developing the Pakri Barwadih, Chatti Bariatu, Kerandari and Talaipalli coal blocks in Jharkhand, in addition to the Brahmani & Chichro Patsimal mines in Orissa.

The company is also scouting for overseas coal properties and has zeroed in on countries like Australia, Mozambique and Indonesia.