Govt leaves fate of coal blocks undecided

The Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) that reviewed the performance of 16 coal blocks on Thursday left the fate of these coal blocks undecided. These blocks had been allocated to companies such as GVK Power, NTPC, SAIL, Abhijeet Infrastructure and Tata Power, among others.

The Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) that reviewed the performance of 16 coal blocks on Thursday left the fate of these coal blocks undecided. These blocks had been allocated to companies such as GVK Power, NTPC, SAIL, Abhijeet Infrastructure and Tata Power, among others.

“The allotees of these 16 coal blocks made presentations before the IMG. However no decision was taken today (Thursday),” said a government source. The source added that some of the companies gave reasons such as lack of environmental clearances and regulatory hurdles for delays in development of the mines.

The IMG under the chairmanship of additional secretary in the coal ministry has members from other ministries including steel and power.

The IMG will meet again on Friday and review the performance of another 14 mines allocated to firms that include JSPL, Monnet Ispat & Energy and Rathi Udyog, among others.

The coal ministry had earlier asked the companies to make presentations before the IMG on the achievement of milestones prescribed for developing mines that were allotted to them, and explain delays.