The Indian government has urged Coal India Limited (CIL) to prioritize enhancing domestic coal production to meet the growing demand and reduce dependence on coal imports. The call comes amid concerns over the rising cost and environmental impact of coal imports, as well as the need to ensure energy security.

In a statement, the Minister for Coal emphasized the importance of CIL in addressing the energy demands of the country and safeguarding the economy from the volatility in global coal markets. The government has set ambitious targets for CIL to ramp up production and improve the efficiency of its supply chains.

CIL, the world’s largest coal producer, has been making efforts to increase production, but it faces challenges related to land acquisition, mining lease clearances, and environmental concerns. Despite these hurdles, there is a strong push to enhance output in order to reduce the need for importing coal, which has been a significant burden on India’s energy sector.

The focus on reducing imports aligns with the government’s vision of achieving energy independence and promoting sustainable development through the optimal use of domestic resources.