The Forest and Environment Department has initiated steps to remove bottlenecks existing in making the new blocks operational in the State. A high-level meeting involving Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) and representatives of the companies that have won the coal blocks in Jharkhand took place on Monday.
Sources present in the meeting said that almost all the companies raised issues relating to diversion of forest land for mining and difficulties in getting raiyati lands under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).
“They shared their problems in making the mines operational. From our side all the concerned DFOs were present in the meeting. Some headway has been made based on the feedback we got from the user agencies. They also apprised us about progress in procuring land under CAMPA and getting forest and environment clearances from the Ministry,” said BC Nigam, PCCF.
Despite around 15 coal blocks having allocated to various private companies following the fresh e-auction process in Jharkhand none of those could see any trace of production so far. Worryingly, most of the coal blocks given in the State have gathered some serious troubles related to land revenue or forest and environmental clearances which have halted their way in becoming operational and generate the much sought after mineral.
“Most of the allottees had similar kinds of issues involved and they narrated their ordeal with the Department. The meeting can be said positive and it is good that the Department is showing positive intent in this direction. Some of the companies complained about not even getting certified land schedule based on which fresh proposal to divert forest land for mining can be placed. The PCCF was very proactive and directed the DFOs for not sitting on files unnecessarily and for responding within a timeframe,” said a senior official of a multinational group. Representatives of all the allottees except one attended the consultation.
While indicating towards the reasons behind the stopover, Mines Dept Principal Secretary SK Satpathy said that the main concern for the Govt is that the companies should meet all the desired clearances before finally getting the mining lease. “As soon as they come with the clearance the lease agreement would take place,” said the official.
However, Nigam expressed willingness in extending helping hands towards the companies. “We would do whatever is possible. As far as getting land for CAMPA is concerned, it is a time taking process. On our part, we are ready to help them within permissible limit,” said the PCCF.