CIL to open coal washing centres: chairman

Rourkela (Orissa), Jan 15 (PTI) In a bid to makeavailable quality coal, public sector Coal India Limited (CIL)has decided to open at least 20 coal washing points in variouscoal belts of the country.

"Out of 20 proposed washing points, two would be setup in Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) and Mahanadi CoalfieldsLimited (MCL) in Orissa shortly," CIL chairman Partha SBhattacharya told reporters here.

He said after washing of the raw coal, Indian coal cancompete in the international market. The CIL will get betterprice for the finished product, he said adding that the coalbuyers should bear the cost of the washing points.

"After washing, we will get much better quality coal",the CIL," he said.

Referring to agitations due to displacement problem,Bhattacharya said proper resources should be provided to theland losers and a confidence should be built up in theirmind for proper compensation.

CIL was committed to provide better living conditionby building modern village with all facilities, he said whilepresenting the example of Iswar Marandi Nagar in Jharkhandwhere CIL has given modern amenities with a tribal backgroundculture.

"A total transparency is essential while dealing withthe people in the land dealing case to build confidence," CILchairman said.

The CIL chairman was here to attend as chief guest ofEighth Convocation of National Institute of Technology -Rourkela.