The controversial proposal of classifying coal bearing areas into ‘go’ and ‘no go’ seems to be finding little favor with key policymakers. Planning Commission in its reply to the coal ministry’s proposal on the issue has said such demarcation can have adverse implication on country’s coal production.
“It is difficult to classify areas as 'no go' areas as it has to be seen in the context of energy requirement and its impact on larger economy. Due diligence is required on environmental concerns raised and it needs to be assessed,”said an official.
The commission has suggested to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure that considering the huge demand for coal, it is imprudent to leave areas out of bounds for the miners. However, there could be careful consideration of the areas where gross forest cover (GFC) is more than 40%.
At present, the ministry does not allow mining even in areas, which are less forested at 30%. With over 203 blocks largely situated in dense forests, the proposed ‘no go’ areas has a potential of 660 million tonne. Coal mining is not permitted in these areas. ‘No go’ norm, introduced two years ago, has stopped mining at locations where developers have invested heavily.
Citing huge energy deficit, the commission has suggested coal mining may be permitted in the “allotted coal blocks” in phases. Only when the afforestation of the first phase is completed, the second phase permission should be granted. Once the first phase gets completed, the area should be afforested and handed over to the ministry of environment and forests.
The commission further added, the ministry could fix norms for isolating and protecting dense forest cover by making coal block developers accountable for protection of the desired level of forest density, the official said.
Coal ministry in a written reply in Parliament stated environment ministry has proposed to classify nine coalfields for prima-facie ‘Go’ and ‘No-Go’ areas for coal mining. A series of meetings have also taken place in this regard in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Planning Commission to arrive at an acceptable criteria to delineate ‘go’ and ‘no-go’ areas. The ministry said delay on the part of environment ministry is affecting the projects. The forest clearances to the these blocks need to be given in 150 days but environment ministry takes over three to four years.
The commission in a separate note on Prime minister's direction has recommended higher compensation clause for 'no go' areas. It has also suggested afforestation charges and said stipulation in different phases can be added instead of a blanket ban on the areas.
The commission said, delay on the part of ministry of environment in giving the clearances is hampering the commercial viability of the projects. The environment ministry has been asked to give greater priority to projects in the 11th and 12th Plan.
With number of key wings of the government like power ministry, planning commission differing with the environment ministry on this issue and the Prime Minister's intervention supporting coal ministry's stand on the issue, it seems that the classification of coal-bearing regions into ‘go’ and ‘no go’ areas might not materialise.
The decision, if accepted, can prevent confusion over mining rights given to power, steel and cement sector companies over coal blocks allocated between 1994 and 2008.
“It is difficult to classify areas as 'no go' areas as it has to be seen in the context of energy requirement and its impact on larger economy. Due diligence is required on environmental concerns raised and it needs to be assessed,”said an official.
The commission has suggested to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure that considering the huge demand for coal, it is imprudent to leave areas out of bounds for the miners. However, there could be careful consideration of the areas where gross forest cover (GFC) is more than 40%.
At present, the ministry does not allow mining even in areas, which are less forested at 30%. With over 203 blocks largely situated in dense forests, the proposed ‘no go’ areas has a potential of 660 million tonne. Coal mining is not permitted in these areas. ‘No go’ norm, introduced two years ago, has stopped mining at locations where developers have invested heavily.
Citing huge energy deficit, the commission has suggested coal mining may be permitted in the “allotted coal blocks” in phases. Only when the afforestation of the first phase is completed, the second phase permission should be granted. Once the first phase gets completed, the area should be afforested and handed over to the ministry of environment and forests.
The commission further added, the ministry could fix norms for isolating and protecting dense forest cover by making coal block developers accountable for protection of the desired level of forest density, the official said.
Coal ministry in a written reply in Parliament stated environment ministry has proposed to classify nine coalfields for prima-facie ‘Go’ and ‘No-Go’ areas for coal mining. A series of meetings have also taken place in this regard in the Prime Minister’s Office and the Planning Commission to arrive at an acceptable criteria to delineate ‘go’ and ‘no-go’ areas. The ministry said delay on the part of environment ministry is affecting the projects. The forest clearances to the these blocks need to be given in 150 days but environment ministry takes over three to four years.
The commission in a separate note on Prime minister's direction has recommended higher compensation clause for 'no go' areas. It has also suggested afforestation charges and said stipulation in different phases can be added instead of a blanket ban on the areas.
The commission said, delay on the part of ministry of environment in giving the clearances is hampering the commercial viability of the projects. The environment ministry has been asked to give greater priority to projects in the 11th and 12th Plan.
With number of key wings of the government like power ministry, planning commission differing with the environment ministry on this issue and the Prime Minister's intervention supporting coal ministry's stand on the issue, it seems that the classification of coal-bearing regions into ‘go’ and ‘no go’ areas might not materialise.
The decision, if accepted, can prevent confusion over mining rights given to power, steel and cement sector companies over coal blocks allocated between 1994 and 2008.
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