Initiatives being taken to increase coal production: Dasari

New Delhi, Dec 15 (UNI) Efforts are being made to meet the domestic demand for coal, particularly in the long run, which is expected to be at 1,261 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) by 2025 as per the Coal Vision Document, Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayan Rao said here today.

Addressing the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his ministry, Dr Dasari said new projects are being undertaken along with allotment of new coal blocks to both public and private companies to enhance domestic exploration and production of coal.

These efforts also include technological upgradation of mining activity and acquiring coal properties abroad.

The demand for coal is expected to further go up to about 2,000 MMTPA in 2031-32 as estimated in the report on Integrated Energy Policy.

The minister observed that public sector undertakings (PSUs) as part of burden removal, capacity addition and resources mobilisation programmes for undertaking new projects are attempting selective outsourcing of coal production.

He asked the PSU coal companies to ensure protection of the rights of contract labourers. He informed that the Central Government is coming out with National Resettlement Policy 2006 for uniform application across the country.

Dr Rao also said his ministry is considering a new scheme of deployment of ex-servicemen in contracts for loading and transportation activities.

This would facilitate availability of right capacity tillers and loaders for smooth transportation of coal from producing areas to the consuming centres, he said.

At the meet, members made several suggestions for improving the transportation of coal, accelerating coal production, ensuring relief and rehabilitation to the project affected persons, relief to the workers/dependents of accidents in coal mines and taking strict action against irregularities in the sector.

UNI BKS CS DS1530