)
A high-level panel in the Environment Ministry has deferred the decision on granting green approval to Maharashtra State Mining Corp Ltd's opencast coal mining project in Maharashtra.
"The proponent informed the Committee (Environment Appraisal Committee) that the Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) had recommended that block is liable for deallocation.
"In view of the recommendations of the IMG, the committee deferred the project for further consideration," according to an official document.
It further said: "The EAC has noted that Ministry of Coal... Issued show-cause notice to the proponent to explain as to why the delay in the development of coal block should not be held as violation of the terms and conditions of the allocation of coal Block and why the block should not be de-allocated."
Maharashtra State Mining Corp Ltd is seeking environment clearance for Marki-Zari-Jamani-Adkoli opencast coal mine project having geological reserves of 11 million tonnes.
IMG had earlier recommended issuing show cause notice for delays in development of the coal block. The recommendations of the panel were later accepted by the government.
The Coal Ministry had said in a letter to the company: "You are hereby called upon to show cause, on each milestone separately...As to why the delay in development of the coal block should not be held as violation of the terms and conditions of the allocation of Marki-Zari-Jamani-Adkoli coal block and why the block should not be deallocated..."
It added: "...Failing which it would be presumed that your company has no explanation to offer and action as appropriate would be taken against your company for deallocation of the said coal block."
The IMG, under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Coal, has members from various ministries, including steel and power.
