Delay in allotment of coal blocks: Jaiswal

Allocation of coal blocks to companies gets delayed because of problems in land acquisition and environmental clearance, Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal told the Rajya Sabha today.

"I have toured and held meetings with states like Jharkhand and West Bengal. As land acquisition is a state subject, we have asked them to expedite the process, he said during the Question Hour.

Jaiswal said he had spoken to Union Environment ministry for giving faster environmental clearances.

"I have got positive assurance from the states and the ministry as well," he said.

He said 201 coal blocks with geological reserves of around 45 billion tonnes have been allocated (up to May 2009) to various companies. So far production has started in 25 coal blocks and production from these blocks for 2008-09 was 30 million tonnes.

The minister accepted that though abandoned mines are being filled up, illegal mining is taking place.

He said that both Jharkhand and West Bengal have assured him that they are setting up 'CISF like' forces to prevent illegal mining in coal fields.

"We will have quarterly meetings with states to discuss measures for curbing illegal mining," he said.