A coal mine of the National Thermal Power Corporation limited (NTPC) in Odisha has been recommended for green clearance by an Environment Ministry panel, subject to conditions.
The Expert Appraisal Committee, after deliberations of the submissions of the proponent, has recommended for granting environment clearance with specific conditions. This development follows the Union Coal Ministry in December last seeking explanation from the NTPC for slow progress of the mine.
The conditions are that a detailed resettlement and rehabilitation plan in consultation with the various stakeholders should be formulated and a provision of `30-40 crore should be earmarked for CSR (corporate social responsibility) for the first five years, among others, according to a relevant document.
The NTPC’s Dulanga coal block in the IB Valley coalfields having geological reserves of 260 million tonnes (MT) was allocated to the company in January 2006. Earlier, the Inter-Ministerial Group on coal blocks had recommended seeking explanation for slow progress of the coal block. later, its recommendations were considered and accepted by the Coal Ministry.
The Coal Ministry had said in a letter to the NTPC CMD to explain on each milestone separately to the Ministry within a period of 20 days from the date of issue, the reasons for slow progress as well as efforts made in development of the coal block, failing which it would be presumed that the company has no explanation to offer and appropriate action would be taken.