Seeks early green clearances from MoEF.
Amidst a drastic loss of generation largely due to non-availability of coal in September and October, the power ministry, in a bid to achieve its target of 15,600 Mw by the end of current fiscal, has decided to resolve the matter. It is pursuing the related issues with the pertinent ministries, besides with the captive coal producers.
A framework document agreed between the power minister and the power secretary notes efforts will be stepped up during the year for the supply 335 million tonnes of coal from Coal India and its subsidiaries. Also finalised would be a long-term arrangement for the requirement of coal, based on a capacity addition programme in power generation.
Besides, power utilities in the central and state sector, their canalising agencies like MMTC and STC would be asked to ensure an import of 35 million tonnes of coal during 2011-12. The power utilities having captive coal mines would also need to ensure supply of 23 mt of coal during the current fiscal.
A power ministry official that the ministry would make all efforts to ensure additional gas of about 60 million metric standard cubic meter per day (mmscmd) during the year under APM and from KG Basin (D-6).” He admitted that there was a need for an early clearance from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) of several pending, new and proposed generation projects and transmission lines. Besides, MoEF would have to arrive at an early resolution of go and no-go area issues and give expeditious clearance of hydel projects without waiting for the reports of comprehensive basin study.
As far as state governments are concerned, the official said they would have to be pro-active in issues relating to the land acquisition and settlement of resettlement and rehabilitation, Right of Way for transmission lines, State Pollution Board clearance and maintaining law and order in the projects under construction / to be constructed.
According to the framework document, the ministry would ensure availability of skilled manpower for power sector. “The procurement of power plant equipment especially from the state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals is another issue for completion of power project within a stipulated time frame.
The issue will be taken up with the department of heavy industry so that BHEL would ensure timely supply of main plant equipment and balance of plant, “ the official said. He admitted that BHEL has increased its capacity but further efforts were needed to maintain a deadline for the supply of plant equipment and balance of plant.
