Question : SUPPLY OF SUB-STANDARD COAL

(a) whether the Satpura Thermal Power Station is getting sub-standard coal from coal mines of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) causing damages to the boiler tube and affecting the power generation;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government has received any proposal from the State Government of Madhya Pradesh to provide them good quality of coal;

(d) if so, the action taken or being taken in this regard; and

(e) the time by which good quality of coal is likely to be provided to the said power station?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION (SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)

(a) & (b): Coal India Limited has reported that as per the analysis data, the quality of coal supplied to Satpura Thermal Power Station was in accordance with their requirement. As per provisions of Fuel Supply Agreement, the facility of Joint Sampling and analysis of coal is extended at the loading end and the power station has not informed Western Coalfields Limited of any damage to the boiler tube affecting power generation.

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d) & (e): Improvement of quality of coal is a continuous process. The following steps have been taken by coal companies to improve the quality of coal being supplied to consumers, including the power utilities of Madhya Pradesh:

(i) Installation of metal detectors / magnetic separators over running conveyors before coal loading’

(ii) establishment of well equipped laboratories at all the projects for regular quality assessment;

(iii) arrangement for joint sampling with consumers wherein consumers are provided with the facility of adjustment of payment against coal value.

(iv) shale picking, if any, at mine face, stocks, sidings and from the wagons.

(v) beneficiation of non-coking coal in washeries have been planned for improving the quality.