Question : New coal Mines of Vidarbha



(a) whether there is any proposal for commissioning new coal mines in Vidarbha (Maharashtra) ;

(b) whether coal reserves have been discovered near Shokapur village in Hinjenghat Tehsil of district Wardha; and

(c) if so, the details thereof ?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (DR. DASARI NARAYANA RAO)

(a) : Yes Sir, Western Coalfields Limited proposes to open new coal mines in Vidarbha.

(b)&(c) : Yes, Sir. Directorate of Geology & Mining. Govt. of Maharashtra started exploration for coal in Shokapur - Wardha area of Tahsil Hinganghat, Wardha District in 2001-02. Coal reserves of 5.52 million tonnes have been established by them till the end of field season 2004-05. Further exploration is in progress in this area and 1800 meters of drilling planned during the field season of 2005-06 (Oct-June).