DOMESTIC Govt says major thrust on sustainable development in coal mining The Centre on Friday said it has put a major thrust on sustainable development in coal mining and is taking multi-pronged action on both environmental and social fronts. The Ministry of Coal has moved forward with a comprehensive sustainable development plan and initiated its speedy implementation. Primary focus is on making immediate social impact through Out of Box (OoB) measures besides regular environmental monitoring and mitigation during mining operation, the coal ministry said in a statement. These OoB measures include use of surplus mine water for irrigation and drinking purpose in and around mining areas, extraction and use of sand from overburden (OB), promoting Eco-Mine Tourism, encouraging bamboo plantation, etc. Top most priority is being given to gainful utilisation of mine water for irrigation and providing treated water for drinking to rural population in and around
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command area of mining subsidiaries of Coal India (CIL), Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) and NLC India Ltd (NLCIL).
Centre to permit sale of 50% coal from captive blocks; invites comments The Centre plans to permit sale of 50 per cent of coal/ lignite produced by captive blocks, a move aimed at augmenting the production and increasing the availability of dry fuel. The government plans to do so through incorporation of a provision in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR). "In the note for consultation of Ministry of Mines, it is proposed to incorporate a provision in the Act to allow sale of 50 per cent of coal/lignite produced by captive mines on an annual basis. Further, an additional amount will be charged on the merchant sales of coal/lignite by the captive miners," the coal ministry said in brief note. The ministry said that it has invited comments from the state governments of coal-bearing states and stakeholders/general public on the said proposals.
