UMPPs, NTPC, a few others asked to update captive mines status

The Coal Controller has asked the ultra mega power plants (UMPPs), NTPC and prior allottees of mines to update about the current status of the captive blocks and associated end-use projects by April 25.
Quarterly progress report on development of captive coal block and associated end-use project is to be submitted for monitoring by Coal Ministry, Coal Controller Office said a letter to UMPPs, prior mine allotees and NTPC
"It is requested to submit the same for quarter ending March on or before April 25," it added.
The report should also have a note on major constraints faced by prior mine allottees in achieving the milestones of coal block project as well as the end-use plant.

It should also update the status on development of infrastructure project like construction of road/railway siding, rehabilitation and resettlement project in the coal block area and the amount of investment made till last month for prior coal blocks and end use projects.
"The status of end-use projects and utilisation of coal to the linked end use plants for those coal blocks which have attained peak rated production capacity is required to be furnished for each quarter," the letter said.

The coal production from captive mines at 52.9 million tonnes (MT) last fiscal more or less measured up to the government's estimate.

The output registered an increase of 34 per cent amid a widening gap between demand and supply of coal.
Coal production from the 42 producing captive mines was at 39.48 million tonnes in 2013-14, an official said.