Panel defers green nod to CCL's Rs 1,537-cr Jharkhand proj

The Centre's green panel has deferred the decision on environment clearance (EC) to Central Coalfield Ltd's (CCL) Rs 1,537-crore expansion project in Bokaro district, Jharkhand for want of more inputs.
CCL, a subsidiary of Coal India, had proposed expansion of Konar OCP to 8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from the existing 4.10 MTPA and also set up integrated Konar non-coking coal washery with a capacity of 7 MTPA.
The company estimated Rs 1,286.54 crore as expansion cost for Konar OCP mine, while Rs 251.48 crore for washery.
CCL's proposal was discussed in last month's meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment Ministry.

"The EAC deliberated CCL's proposal in detail. It deferred the proposal till the company submits desired clarifications and inputs," a source said.
The panel observed that CCL's proposal envisages amalgamation of Konar OCP and the Khasmahal OCP (sanctioned/ granted individually earlier) followed by integration with the proposed washery of 7 MTPA.

"That would involve correction in area from the present 620.08 ha to 547.38 ha. The documentation needs to be revised accordingly," it said.
Also, the washery proposal has been tendered and the technology will be finalised as per the tender received. "The committee desired for submission of approval for the technology

to be submitted for perusal of Committee," the source added.
The Committee also asked the company to ensure railway siding within three years matching with the production of non-coking coal for transportation.
"CCL has also been asked to submit an action plan along with the proposed budgetary allocation implementing the issues agreed in the public hearing," according to the source.
The proposed expansion project would have coal linkages to steel, power and other sectors.