(a) whether the Neyveli Lignite Corporation has received any request for allotment
of a coal block in favour of Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC);
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether prior approval by Ministry of Coal to GMDC for grant of Lignite Mining
Lease in Lakhpat is required; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the time by which all the requisite approvals would
be accorded for the grant of the coal block to GMDC?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)
(a) & (b) Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) has informed that no request for allotment
of coal block in favour of M/s Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC) has been
received. However, in response to Notice Inviting Applications, dated 29/7/13 issued by
Ministry of Coal, GMDC has applied for 3 Lignite Blocks namely, Panandhrow Extension,
Barkandam and Ghala. Applications are under process.
(c) & (d) The Government of Gujarat had requested for allocation of lignite blocks as well
as approval of Mining Leases for several lignite bearing areas including Lakhpat-Dhedhadi
lignite area. Coal and lignite blocks are allocated under Section 3 of the Coal Mines
(Nationalisation) Act, 1973 whereas the prior approval of the Central Government for grant
of mining lease of the allocated coal/lignite blocks are given under the relevant provisions
of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Allocation of a lignite block
under Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 is a prerequisite before the prior approval of the
Central Government is accorded for grant of mining lease under the relevant provisions of the
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The above mentioned lignite block has
not been allocated by the Ministry of Coal to the Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd.
(GMDCL). Hence, prior approval of the Central Government for grant of mining lease does not arise.