Chhattisgarh’s nod for coal block auction raises environmental worries
COAL & MINING

Chhattisgarh’s nod for coal block auction raises environmental worries

The Chhattisgarh government’s approval of auction for 17 of the state's 18 coal blocks identified by the central government has raised wildlife environmental concerns.

Activists believe the approval was given although there has been no increase in coal demand.

Agriculture minister and government spokesperson Ravindra Chaubey told the media that due to the presence of a major human settlement in the area, Barra was exempted from the auction.

The decision to remove the Barra coal block from the list was made at the request of public representatives and ministers, Chaubey told the media.

Chhattisgarh produces around 150 million tonnes of coal per year and has 58,589 million tonnes of reserves, according to official data. The 17 blocks are located in the forest divisions of Dharamjaigarh, Sarguja, Surajpur, and Koriya, and are expected to produce around 8,000 million tonnes of coal.

A large forest area falls under the region where the blocks are located, according to MSTC Limited, the company that is conducting the auctions for the Centre. According to the company's website, the coal blocks cover 15 % to 40 % of forest land. The area is crossed by tributaries of the Atem, Mahan, Pajhar Nadi, and Kelo rivers.

Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan convener Alok Shukla told the media that the state government should have opposed commercial mining because the state is already suffering from environmental destruction and displacement. Because of the low rates, Shukla added, the state government will not receive any additional revenue.

Image Source


Also read: Govt gets bids for 19 coal mines in commercial mining auction

Also read: Coal mine auctions: Commercial tranche 2 gains traction

The Chhattisgarh government’s approval of auction for 17 of the state's 18 coal blocks identified by the central government has raised wildlife environmental concerns. Activists believe the approval was given although there has been no increase in coal demand. Agriculture minister and government spokesperson Ravindra Chaubey told the media that due to the presence of a major human settlement in the area, Barra was exempted from the auction. The decision to remove the Barra coal block from the list was made at the request of public representatives and ministers, Chaubey told the media. Chhattisgarh produces around 150 million tonnes of coal per year and has 58,589 million tonnes of reserves, according to official data. The 17 blocks are located in the forest divisions of Dharamjaigarh, Sarguja, Surajpur, and Koriya, and are expected to produce around 8,000 million tonnes of coal. A large forest area falls under the region where the blocks are located, according to MSTC Limited, the company that is conducting the auctions for the Centre. According to the company's website, the coal blocks cover 15 % to 40 % of forest land. The area is crossed by tributaries of the Atem, Mahan, Pajhar Nadi, and Kelo rivers. Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan convener Alok Shukla told the media that the state government should have opposed commercial mining because the state is already suffering from environmental destruction and displacement. Because of the low rates, Shukla added, the state government will not receive any additional revenue. Image Source Also read: Govt gets bids for 19 coal mines in commercial mining auction Also read: Coal mine auctions: Commercial tranche 2 gains traction

Next Story
Building Material

JK Cement emerges successful bidder for Mahan coal mine in Madhya Pradesh

This marks the company’s second commercial coal block win, following its acquisition of the West of Shahdol (South) coal block. "The company is committed to becoming self-reliant for its existing cement plants and upcoming projects," JKC stated. The surplus coal from the mine will be sold commercially. The vesting order was handed over to JK Cement during a ceremony at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, a critical milestone for commencing mining operations within the stipulated timeline...

Next Story
Building Material

Prism Johnson's cement division goes live with Ramco ERP Suite

Prism Johnson has successfully gone live with the Ramco ERP Suite for its Cement Division. This milestone marks a significant step in Prism Johnson's digital transformation journey, leveraging Ramco Systems' advanced enterprise solutions and process control systems to streamline business processes, manufacturing operations and drive efficiency. The implementation includes cutting-edge modules for Maintenance, Sales, Distribution, Finance, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, and HR Management (HRM). These solutions enable Prism Johnson to achieve seamless integration across its business and wo..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Indian shadow bank Shriram Finance gets record $1.28 billion loan

Shriram Finance Ltd. is reported to have borrowed $1.28 billion in a multi-currency social loan, marking the largest offshore facility ever undertaken by an Indian shadow lender. According to a press release issued by Shriram, the deal is divided across the dollar, euro, and dirham. Sources familiar with the transaction, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated that the tenors in the multi-tranche deal range from three to five years. This loan adds to the surge of offshore debt sales by Indian shadow lenders this year, a trend prompted by the Reserve Bank of India's tightening of rules in Nov..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000