Question : COAL ALLOCATION TO GUJARAT

(a) whether the coal based companies situated in Gujarat have been allocated coal from the South Eastern Coal Belts instead of the Western Collieries Limited (WCL) which is nearer to the State;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the criteria for coal allocation from the WCL;

(c) whether the Government has received any proposal from Gujarat to consider allocation of coal to coal based industries in the State from the nearer coal belts; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a)&(b): The coal based companies including power stations situated in Gujarat are being supplied coal from South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). However, a small quantity of coal is also supplied from Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). The decision for source of allocation of coal is based on the long-term availability of coal, potential for incremental production, transport logistic etc. The major coal reserves of Coal India Limited (CIL) are concentrated in the coalfields of Karanpura (Northern India), Ib, Raigarh (East Central India), Korba (Central India) and Talcher (Eastern India). These are the upcoming coalfields of CIL, there is not much growth prospects in WCL. Further, the coal available at WCL is already linked to various power stations/industries.

(c)&(d): The request of Gujarat for enhancement of allocation of coal from WCL has been examined by the Task Force constituted by Ministry of Coal for rationalization of sources for existing coal consumers. The Task Force recommended for reduction in quantity allocated to Gujarat State Electricity Corporation Limited (GSECL) from Korea Rewa fields of C/D grade coal and proportionate increase from Korba fields of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) by swapping quantities of Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited (MPPGCL). In view of the recommendations of Task Force, Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has to take up the matter with GSECL and MPPGCL for their concurrence in respect of the implementation of the specific recommendations on this aspect.