Countries burning fossil fuel can't give sermons on climate change: Joshi

The Centre has announced auctioning of coal mines for commercial exploitation and sale, but the mine-bearing states have been apprehensive of this. Some have pointed to environmentally sensitive zones in which these mines are located while others fear a revenue shortfall. In an interview with Shreya Jai, Union Minister for Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi says he will replace mines from the auction if chief ministers object but they should understand this will change the economic situation in states. Edited excerpts:

The country is grappling with a pandemic and economic slowdown. Why has the Centre decided to go