Until November this year, coal production from captive mines has reached around 50 million tons. It is estimated to touch 85 million tons during the current financial year (2021 – 22), significantly higher than last year’s achievement of 62 million tons.
Also, coal production from captive mines is expected to reach 120 million tons during the next financial year (2022 – 23).
“This achievement will further fulfil the vision of Atma Nirbhar bharat in domestic coal production,” the Ministry of Coal said.
To further enhance coal production, the Secretary of Ministry of Coal, Dr Anil Kumar Jain, reviewed the environmental and forest clearance issues impacting the development of new coal blocks, with senior officers of the Ministry given the high demand for domestic coal.
It must be noted here that the coal stock at 136 power plants with 1,66,109 MW capacity and linked to coal companies has reached 16.63 Million Tons (MT).
The coal stock at power plants has increased from 7.2 MT on 8 October to 16.63 MT as of 24 November and is sufficient for nine days’ requirement.
The international coal prices have increased more than three times recently, which resulted in a 38 per cent decrease in coal imports to India. At the same time, electricity demand has gone up by more than 24 per cent, indicative of robust economic growth. This mismatch resulted in a decrease in the available coal at thermal power plants leading to predictions of a looming power shortage.