Bhubaneswar: The coal blocks allocated in Odisha to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are set to be operational ahead of the scheduled period. While the coal blocks allocated to NLC is likely to be operationalised by January, the Coal Blocks of OPCL and Nalco will be ready to start operation by April 2019 and January 2020 respectively.
The Central Monitoring Committee (CMC) on Coal recently reviewed progress of operationalization of coal blocks allocated to both Central and State Public Sector Enterprises, which found out that at least three coal blocks of Odisha will be operationalized before the scheduled time period.
However, it was suggested that the State Government will have to take proactive steps in this regard, while providing no objection certificates (NOC) and consent to establish (CTE) certificates by various authorities, so that things will move on a fast lane, an official said.
NLC India, which has been allocated Talabira II and III coal blocks has informed that the mine is running ahead of schedule and it will be operational on 1 January, 2019.
Talabira II and III coal block in Jharsuguda district having 553.98 million tons of coal reserve was allotted to NLC India in 2016.
NLC India is requesting authorities in State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) of Odisha to provide CTE certificate. The district administration of Jharsuguda is to provide NOC for use of explosives in coal mines.
Similarly, Odisha Coal and Power Limited (OCPL) has been allocated Manoharpur and Dip Side Manoharpur coal blocks way back in 2015. This mine has got 978.47 million ton of estimated reserve of coal. OCPL is moving ahead with mine opening permission since August, 2018 and it is ready to start coal production by April, 2019, said sources.
NALCO which has been allotted Utkal D Coal Block having estimated reserve of 175 million tone is ready to make the mine operational by 2 January 2020. Authorities in NALCO have made efforts to get forest clearance for it.
Meanwhile, certain queries have been raised by Ministry of Coal, which is needed to be clarified by the State Government.
CMPDI will be finalizing the Mining Plan, which requires approval of the Ministry of Coal, said sources. However, the Navratna PSU is moving in right direction said sources adding that once things are in place, the coal mine operation will be on, said sources.