NLC's 2.25 MTPA Bithnok lignite mine gets green nod

The Environment Ministry has given clearance to state-run Neyveli Lignite Corporation's (NLC) 2.25 million tonnes per annum Bithnok lignite mine in Rajasthan.
"In view of the recommendations of the EAC (Expert Appraisal Committee)... And submission of stage-I FC, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change hereby accords environment clearance to Bithnok Lignite Mine... Of NLC," the Environment Ministry said in a letter to NLC.
The clearance is subject to compliance of the terms and conditions like the maximum production from the mine at any given time shall not exceed the limit as prescribed in the environment clearance and the production shall be within the mining lease area, among others, the letter said.

According to NLC's website, Bithnok thermal power project with the linked lignite mine of 2.25 MTPA capacity at Bithnok, in Bikaner district of Rajasthan is being set up at an aggregate estimated cost of Rs 2,709.93 crore.
Power Purchase Agreement has been signed with Rajasthan discoms.
"Agreement for supply of 25 cusecs of water from IGNP canal has been entered," NLC said.

The Rajasthan government has issued award for acquisition of 1,175.87 hectares of private land in Bithnok and 1,863.184 hectares of government land will be diverted to the project by the state government after takeover of private land.
The project is proposed to be implemented through engineering, procurement and commissioning contract mode and is expected to be commissioned by 2019.

The Coal Ministry had accorded approval for revised mining plan in June 2015.