Union Minister G Kishan Reddy Assures No Coal Shortage, Focuses on Increased Production
Kolkata – Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, affirmed that there is ample coal supply for the power sector, emphasizing the government’s commitment to meet demand through enhanced productivity by Coal India and commercial mines.
Addressing concerns during the monsoon season, Minister Reddy assured, “We are supplying coal to all thermal power plants. There is no shortage of coal in the country.” He urged plants using imported coal to transition to domestic sources, citing efforts to optimize fuel utilization.
Regarding the Ministry of Power’s directive on blending imported coal, Reddy highlighted the measure as a precautionary step to mitigate blackout risks amidst fluctuating electricity demands.
In a recent review meeting, the Ministry underscored the importance of operationalizing coal blocks nearing completion to bolster production efforts. Currently, 54 out of 161 allocated or auctioned mines are operational, contributing significantly to national coal output.
Minister Reddy encouraged stakeholders to sustain efforts, aiming for a robust growth trajectory in coal production, with targets set for the fiscal year 2024-25.
As the government continues to streamline regulatory processes, 65 non-operational coal blocks across multiple states are progressing towards clearance stages, signaling future expansions in coal mining activities.
