(a) the estimated domestic production and consumption of coal
in the country during the year 2005-06;
(b) whether certain power plants are facing difficulties on account
of shortage of coal;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the action being taken to overcome
their difficulties;
(d) whether there is any proposal to store sufficient quantity of
coal for the requirement of various power plants in the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL
(DR. DASARINARAYANA RAO)
(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E) OF LOK SABHA STARRED
QUESTION NO. 145 FOR 3.8,2005
(a): As per projections made by the Planning Commission, the coal demand
during 2005-06 has been estimated at 445.65 million tonnes and production
as 406.48 million tonnes.
(b): Yes, Sir.
(c): Some of the power houses have critical coal stocks for the following
reasons:
(i) Unloading constraints resulting in congestion in the rail movement,
which in turn forces Railways to impose restriction in movement of
rakes till congestion is cleared,
(ii) Delayed release of payment by power plants for coal value as well as
railway freight leading to regulation in movement of coal.
(iii) Constraints in transport logistics coming in the way of movement of
coal.
(iv) Power stations often consuming more coal than the allocated quantity
given by the Standing Linkage Committee (Short Term).
(v) Lesser import than projected due to high price of coal in the
international market.
The measures taken/being taken to improve the coal availability in power
utilities include :-
1. Advancing of planned production in CIL.
2. Import of Coal by major Power utilities & major CPPs in a planned time
schedule.
3. Improvement of unloading infrastructure at Power House end to reduce
turnaround time of Railway wagons
4. Improvement in coal movement through augmentation of wagons in circuits
where more coal is available.
5. Allocation of captive blocks to consumers in power sector.
(d) & (e): Coal stock in thermal power stations at present is about 10
million tonnes. Import of 13.45 million tonnes during the year 2005-06
and 20 million tonnes during 2006-07 is envisaged for improving the coal
stock availability position in power stations.