Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary affairs, Pralhad Joshi visited Ranchi for augment coal production to meet the power demand of the Nation.
Joshi chaired a review meeting at Darbhanga House, Central Coalfield Limited (CCL) headquarter in the State Capital. The meeting was attended by Chairman Coal India, Pramod Agarwal along with CMD, CCL, PM Prasad, CMD, Eastern Coalfield Limited (ECL), AP Panda and the senior officials of Ministry of Coal and CCL, ECL and CMPDIL
Joshi reviewed the present status of coal production and dispatch at CCL and ECL. He gave out directions to ensure sustained Coal production and dispatch to the power plants. During the meeting Joshi discussed ways to increase production and ensure supply of coal to power plants to satisfy the burgeoning energy demands of the Country. He appreciated the efforts of CCL in the last fiscal and expressed confidence that the company will attain the desired target.
Chairman Coal India Pramod Agarwal said that Coal India and it’s subsidiaries are committed to ensure uninterrupted supply of coal to the power plants of the Country.
CMD, CCL Prasad through a power presentation briefed the Minister about the various activities of the company.
Prior to this Joshi reached Ranchi on Thursday on a two-day visit. In the project building, Chief Secretary Sukhdev Singh, Mining Secretary Pooja Singhal and other departmental officials were reviewed. Officers associated with the Rajmahal project also participated in it. Power plants in the State continued to get coal on time, there was a special conversation with the officials regarding this.
After the meeting, the Minister told the media person that there is no shortage of coal in the Country. “People feel that there is only 10 days stock but there is no such thing. Coal production continues continuously. Due to the ill health of the Chief Minister's mother, she could not meet him. Nevertheless, a meeting was arranged from his level,” he added.
The State Government has accepted his words. From their level also work is being done keeping in mind the suggestions of the state governments. All the problems are being solved by establishing coordination. Whatever issues are coming, it is being discussed.
On the question of shortage of coal in the country, the minister said that the imported price has increased. Along with this the demand has also increased. The economy of the country and the state has changed. Earlier the production was 3.3 billion which has become 3.5 billion. 21.22 million tonnes are in the power plant. 72 million is with Coal India and others. The Minister said that there is enough coal stock for 10 days now. In such a situation, some are saying as if there has been a shortage of coal. But it is not like that. There is no shortage of coal anywhere. Where it is needed, it will continue to be supplied.