Question : SUPPLY OF COAL TO THERMAL POWER PLANTS

(a) whether due to less production and the problem of movement, the available stock of coal with various thermal power plants will last for a few days only;

(b) if so, whether any committee is working to review the regular supply of coal to thermal power plants;

(c) if so, the details in this regard;

(d) whether any difficulties have been noticed in supply of coal to thermal power plants during the last three years and the current year;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) the present condition of the stock of coal available in these thermal power plants; and
g) the steps being taken by the Government for regular supply of coal to the power plants?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COAL (SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN)

(a): Total coal stock with power utilities as on 73.2001 is 12.27 million tonnes which is approximately 17 days of linkage.

(b)&(c): A Standing Linkage Committee in the Ministry of Coal meets once every quarter to allocate coal to power houses. This committee also reviews the supplies. Further, a committee in the Cabinet Secretariat under the chairmanship of Secretary(Coordination) regularly reviews the issues of infrastructure constraints, including coal supplies to power houses.

(d)&(e): Coal companies have adequately met coal requirements of power houses during the last three years, and in the current year.

(f)&(g): The coal stocks available with power houses as on 7.3.2001 are to the extent of 12.27 million tonnes. Coal companies are geared to meet the full requirements of the power houses.