Coal Ministry wants to work in banned areas

Coal Ministry has sought the Cabinet approval for its proposal that mining be allowed in 90 per cent of coal blocks labelled as 'no-mining' areas by the environment ministry.

The Coal Ministry in a note to the Cabinet Secretary has sought expeditious forest clearance for all coal blocks under 'no go' areas except 10 per cent of them, a Coal Ministry official said.

"Two hundred and six coal blocks spread across 4039 sq km in nine coalfields involving a production potential of 660 million tonnes (MT) have been designated as 'no go' areas by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) whereas Coal Ministry wants 90 per cent of these be freed from the restriction," the official said.

The draft sent to the Cabinet Secretary mentions, "All the proposals should be considered for forestry clearance unless these are insurmountable issues on grounds of biodiversity, wildlife reserves and rich forests."

It said that the project promoters can be mandated to regenerate the forest areas.

The MoEF has divided the mineral bearing regions into 'go' and 'no-go' areas. As per the guidelines, the mining is allowed only in the 'go' areas.

After going through the proposal, the Cabinet which is likely to take up the matter soon may constitute a ministerial panel to resolve the conflict, the official said.

However, a final call is likely to be taken by the Prime Minister's office, he said.