'India on-track to become self-sufficient in coal production'

The country is on track to become "self-sufficient" in production of thermal coal, Union Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said today.
"India's coal import fell 10 per cent this year and local output rose fast under the government's push. It is on track to become self-sufficient in thermal coal and power production," Swarup was quoted as saying in an official release.
Swarup visited Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) here, and was accompanied by NLC Chairman and Managing Director S K Acharya.
After taking a first hand account of the projects taken up by NLC, Swarup advised authorities to "speed up" the 1,000-MW Neyveli New Thermal Power Project.

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Swarup said the excessive rainfall during November and

December last year had affected mining activities in Neyveli, resulting in lower power generation in all linked power stations.
The toal loss in power generation, lignite production and equipment loss due to the rains is estimated at about Rs 600 crore, he said.
He said the Centre has decided to set up large solar power projects in various parts of the country.