NTPC's coal mine in Odisha recommended for green clearance

New Delhi: State-owned NTPC's coal mine in Odisha has been recommended for green clearance by an Environment Ministry panel, subject to conditions.

"The Committee (Expert Appraisal Committee) after deliberations of the submissions of the proponent has recommended for granting environment clearance with...specific conditions," says an official document.

This development follows the Coal Ministry in December last year seeking explanation from NTPC for slow progress of the mine.

The conditions are that a detailed Resettlement & Rehabilitation plan in consultation with the various stakeholders should be formulated and a provision of Rs 30-40 crore shall be earmarked for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) for the first five years, among others, the document said.

NTPC's Dulanga coal block in IB Valley coalfields of Odisha, having geological reserves of 260 million tonnes (MT), was allocated to the company in January 2006.

Earlier, the inter-ministerial group on coal blocks had recommended seeking explanation for slow progress of the coal block. Later, its recommendations were considered and accepted by the Coal Ministry.

"You are hereby called upon to explain on each milestone separately to this ministry within a period of 20 days from the date of issue, the reasons for slow progress as well as efforts made by you in development of the coal block...

"...failing which it would be presumed that your company has no explanation to offer and action as appropriate would be taken," the Coal Ministry had said in a letter to NTPC Chairman and Managing Director.