(a) whether the country is not self-sufficient in the production of coal;
(b) if so, the details regarding the annual growth of coal alongwith the consumption and demand in the country;
(c) whether the gap between the demand and availability is likely to increase during the current financial year;
(d) if so, to what extent; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to increase the production of coal? ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINES & MINERALS
(SMT. RITA VERMA)
(a)to(e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (E) OF
LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 130 FOR ANSWER ON 3.3.2000
(a) The indigenous production of coal is adequate to meet
the demand for non-coking coal in the country. There is
however a gap between the demand and supply of coking
coal.
(b) Details regarding annual demand, production and
offtake since the year 1996-97 are as follows:
(In million tonnes) 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 DEMAND 325.00 323.38 325.38 311.83(Figures in brackets indicate middlings)
(7.70) (6.80) (7.50) (5.70) PRODUCTION 285.63 295.80 292.27 208.18
(upto Dec’99) OFFTAKE 286.46 296.96 288.58 219.15 By various (2.58) (5.72) (3.02) (1.62) consumers (upto
(excluding Dec’99) imported coal)