Chaturvedi panel on surplus coal may submit report in a month

Panel would look into ways of optimal utilisation of surplus coal from captive blocks to help ease country's fuel scarcity situation

The B K Chaturvedi-headed panel looking into the possibility of utilisation of surplus coal from captive mines is expected to submit its report in about a month.

"We had held a meeting...We have asked for some legal advice. Based on that when this advice comes, then the next meeting will be there. The report will take a month more to be out. It will take time," Chaturvedi, a Planning Commission member, told PTI.

The report was earlier expected to be out by mid-August.

The committee, which was set up in June, would look into ways of optimal utilisation of surplus coal from captive blocks to help ease the country's fuel scarcity situation.

The high-powered committee has Secretaries of Coal and Power Ministries, and Coal India Chairman as its members.

Apart from looking at ways to use surplus coal for domestic usage, the committee will also see if any incentives have to be given to captive coal miners.

The diversion of coal from captive power plants for domestic usage is contemplated to tide over the fuel shortage faced by domestic power producers.

Currently, the demand for coal is outstripping domestic production. Domestic coal demand was at 772.84 million tonnes (MT) against production of 557.60 MT in 2012-13.

The deficit is being met by sourcing the fuel from countries such as Indonesia, South Africa and Australia. However, volatility in international coal prices has been adversely impacting power generators as many of them are unable to pass on the higher costs to consumers.

The deficit of about 204 MT had resulted in doubling of the coal import bill at about $18 billion in 2012-13.

India had imported 110.42 MT of coal between April, 2012 and January, 2013.