Huge deposit of coal-bed methane in MP

Bhopal, May 3: Reliance Industries is engaged in prospecting of huge stock of coal-bed methane found in Shahdol and Anuppur districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh and a reserve of 3.65 trillion cubic feet CBM has been estimated so far, officials said today.

The company, which has been allotted two blocks by the Union government, has undertaken drilling work in about 1000 sq kilometre in Suhagpur east and west areas. The company, which has so far invested Rs 250 crore in the last four years, is likely to invest a total of Rs 3,000 crore providing employment to about 1000 people at the production stage.

Minister of State for Mines Laxmikant Sharma, who reviewed the progress in prospecting of CBM here on May 1, suggested to draw up a plan for production within a time frame. Reliance Industries Vice President Prem Sahni was also present, official sources said.

CBM will be utilised in power generation, fertiliser plants and petro-chemicals units.

UNI