The Ministry of Coal has invited public comments on the draft amendments to the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024.

The proposed changes aim to enhance the utilisation of mined-out or decoaled land for public utilities, such as establishing nuclear plants, and allow the leasing of such land for better use, according to sources.

As part of the public consultation process, the ministry has urged stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed amendments.

Earlier, the Cabinet had approved a policy for utilizing land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas Act for non-minable purposes, including developing infrastructure related to coal and energy projects.

The amendments aim to align with this policy and support broader infrastructure development initiatives. (ET)