The ministry pointed out that as the decision on the two key milestones of coal mining is still pending at the state government level since September 2010, NTPC could not initiate work on developing the block.
The Dulanga coal block is crucial for NTPC's 1600 (2X800) Mw super thermal power plant proposed at Darlipalli in western Odisha's Sundargarh district.
NTPC hopes to commission the plant by 2018.