Panel suggests coal linkage to NTPC's project in MP

A high-level panel has recommended to provide fuel linkage to NTPC's Vindhyachal project in Madhya Pradesh if the plant is delinked from any coal mine alloted to the power producer, a government official has said.
The Standing Linkage Committee (Long-Term) has recommended "grant of coal linkage to NTPC Vindhyachal V (Unit-13) of 500 mw from CIL (Coal India), subject to getting clearance from Ministry of Power that the plant has been delinked from the Pakri-Barwadih or any other coal block alloted to NTPC," the official said.
According to the project proponent, Pakri-Barwadih coal block in Jharkhand was alloted to the power PSU as a basket mine and NTPC's Vindhyachal V (500 mw) was one of the end-use plants.

"The coal production from the mine is supplied to NTPC Barh Stage-II owing to delay in development of its linked mine at Chatti Bariatu (Jharkhand)," the official said.
The Central Electricity Authority and the power ministry suggested to supply coal to this unit as per the provisions of the linkage policy for the power sector.