SGAT opposes joint allocation of coal blocks

SGAT suggested a screening committee be formed at the state govt level to decide the successful bidder of coal blocks

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The Society for Geoscientists & Allied Technologists (SGAT), a body dedicated to mineral development, has opposed the move to allocate coal blocks jointly, endorsing the stand of the state government.

SGAT has suggested that a screening committee be formed at the state government level to decide the successful bidder of coal blocks.

"We suggest that a screening committee with the chief secretary of the concerned state as the chairman is constituted to decide about the successful bidder of coal blocks in the respective state.  The committee may have representatives of Union ministry of mines, Ministry of Coal and Union ministry of environment & forests as members.  The selection criteria should be clearly spelt out. After a decision is made about the successful bidder, the entity may apply to the state government and the government should approach the Central mines ministry for according approval under Section 5 (1) of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) MMDR Act-1957”, said B K Mohanty, advisor, SGAT and former director (mines), Odisha.

SGAT has recently submitted its views to the state government on coal block allocations where it has pointed out all statutory clearances need  to be made available and land acquisition sorted out before auctioning of coal blocks.

"While the apex court is expected to take a final call on the issue of allocation of coal blocks by the Coal ministry, the proposals pending with the state governments for obtaining prior approval under Section 5 (1) of MMDR Act and execution of licences and leases in respect of the blocks granted and surveyed should be expedited”, SGAT held.

Stating that scams and litigations over coal block allocations have hit power plants, SGAT said, “Severe power crisis continues to grip the country.  Lawlessness is a chronic feature in the coal mining areas. Firm and proactive approach of the government is lacking. These need to be addressed on priority basis.”