(a) whether due to shortage of coal and difficulties in its transportation, the coal stocks available in the various thermal power stations of the country are left for only few days;
(b) if so, the present position of the coal stocks in the power stations; and
(c) the measures proposed to be taken by the Government to improve this condition?
MINISTER OF MINES & MINERALS (SHRI NAVEEN PATNAIK)
(a) to(c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 292 FOR ANSWER ON 17.12.1999.
(a) No, Sir.
(b) The total stocks with power houses in the country as reported by Central Electricity Authority as on 10.12.1999 are 10.48 million tonnes.
(c) Coal companies are fully geared to supply the linked quantity of coal to all power houses in the country and close coordination is maintained to ensure supply of coal. Coal supplies are also reviewed regularly by an Inter-ministerial Committee and appropriate action is taken to step up coal supplies, whenever necessary.