Orissa gets 220 proposals for coal block allotment

Orissa has received around 220 proposals for allotment of captive coal blocks for power plants.

The state government is likely to set up an expert committee to manage such a large number of applications.

"Orissa has received the highest number of proposals among all states for allotment of coal blocks for power plants. The government will soon work on the 220 proposals and send its recommendation to the Centre," said state Energy Minister Surya Narayan Patro.

The Centre would decide the fate of the power plants only on the basis of the state's recommendations.

The state, however, is trying hard to cope with this huge demand for coal blocks. "We shall try our best to make suitable recommendations," Patro said.

According to state government estimates, given the current reserves, three blocks can at best produce coal for six plants. Around 110 blocks would be needed for the 220 proposals.

The state government will soon ask the coal authorities to look into the amount of reserves in the Ib and Talcher coalfields. Both house 26 mines spread over 30,000 hectares.

The state government has already signed 13 MoUs with top power producers. "The big players include the Tata Group, Essar, GMR Group, Jindals, Vedanta, CESC, Visa Power, Lanco Group and Bhushan Energy," Patro said.

Three coal blocks in Sundergarh have been allotted to independent power producers, while three more are in being allocated for captive use.

"We have requested the Centre to speed up the process of allotment of coal blocks as more proposals are likely to come in," Patro said.