Environment approvals for coal mine expansions eased to tackle fuel crisis

India has eased environment approvals for coal mine expansions to boost output amid fuel shortages that have triggered hours-long blackouts. 

Some existing sites will be able to raise production by a further 10% without requiring new impact assessments and rules on consulting local residents have been loosened, according to a government note. The changes come after the coal ministry flagged “huge pressure on domestic coal supply,” the message said.

Coal supplies at power plants are shrinking amid a grueling heat wave that’s pushed electricity demand to a record in recent weeks, with several facilities operating with critical reserves of the fuel, power