Green panel defers decision on JPVL's coal mine project

An Environment Ministry panel has deferred a decision on granting approval to expansion of a coal mining project owned by Jaiprakash Power Venture in Madhya Pradesh.
Jaiprakash Power Venture (JPVL) has sought green clearance for expansion of Amelia (North) Opencast Coal Mine Project from 2.8 MTPA to 4.2 MTPA in ML area of 728.75 ha located in Madhya Pradesh.
"Keeping in view the sensitivity of the area, the Committee decided that a small sub-committee consisting of four members should visit the site and submit its report at the earliest for further consideration of the project," official sources said.
"The proposal was, therefore, deferred," they said.

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) met this month to further deliberate on the proposal.
The earlier environment clearance was for a combined maximum capacity of 2.8 MTPA comprising of open cast and underground mining (limited to open cast of 2.10 MTPA with a maximum underground production of 0.6 MTPA), the document said.
JPVL, project proponent proposes to ramp up peak rated capacity of coal to meet the requirement of 2x660 mw thermal power plant till the alternative arrangement of coal is organised.