GoM to oversee coal mining environmental clearance issue

New Delhi, Jan 13 (ANI): Union Cabinet on Thursday decided to constitute a Group of Ministers (GoM) to look into the issue of environmental clearance for coal mining.

In the recent past, there have been differences on the issue between the Coal Ministry and the Environment Ministry.

India currently imports 50 million tonnes of coal every year to meet the supply gap and by the end of next year this is expected to more than double to 120 million tonnes.

Earlier, the Cabinet Committee on infrastructure has approved the continuation of schemes of conservation and safety in coal mines and development of transportation infrastructure in coalfield areas as plan schemes.

An outlay of Rs.690.75 crore for the scheme of conservation and safety in coal mines and Rs.395.58 crore for the scheme of development of transportation infrastructure in coalfield areas for the eleventh five year plan (2007-12) will be funded through the collections made under the provisions of Coal Mines (Conservation and Development) Act, 1974.

The scheme will help the coal companies to carry out sand stowing and protective works for conservation of coal and safety of coal mines.

It will also assist in construction of rail and road infrastructure for smooth and timely dispatch of coal, sand and mining machinery. (ANI)