Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: The central government plans to increase Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL)’s production to 250 million tonne by 2020 as the country aims to meet growing energy needs, Union Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said Friday. “Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL)’s output will be increased to 250 million tonne. We have set a target to produce one billion tonne by Coal India by 2020,” Swarup said after holding a meeting with the state’s Chief Secretary in this regard.
On his discussions, Swarup said, “The farmers who are going to lose land are concerned and the idea is to sit with them and find a solution. District collectors will have a crucial role in this matter.”
Briefing reporters, Chief Secretary AP Padhi said that the MCL coal mine projects in Angul, Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts have been first tracked and govt would provide all help for expediting operations. During the meeting, several other projects such as Ib-Valley washery, Jagannath washery, and Lajkura OCP among others were reviewed.
No special consideration for state PSUs
Ruling out any special consideration to state PSUs in coal block allotment, Union Coal Secretary Anil Swarup said the government has set a target to start production in 34 Schedule-II coal mines by March 31. When asked regarding Orissa government’s request for according priority to state public sector undertakings while allocating coal mines, Swarup said, “No special consideration for anybody.”
