(a) whether the quantum of coal reserves in the country has been assessed
as almost the same as that of the coal reserves in China;
(b) if not, the views of the World Coal Association in this regard;
(c) whether the coal production in India is lesser in comparison to the coal
production in China;
(d) if so, the details thereof, and
(e) the reasons for the shortfall in coal production in India thereby failing
to meet the demand of coal in the country?
MINISTER OF COAL IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL ( SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBABU PATIL )
(a) & (b): As per Coal Directory of India 2011-12 of Coal Controller’s Organization,
share of proved coal reserves (including Lignite) of China & India are 13.3 % &
700 % respectively of total World Coal reserves.
(c): Yes, coal production of India is lesser than that of China.
(d): As per Coal Directory of India 2011-12 of Coal Controller’s Organization, coal
production of China & India in 2011 is 3420 Mt & 539 Mt respectively. The all India
coal production in 2012-13 was 558 Mt.
(e): The overall production of coal in the country is short of the estimated demand
at present. Some of the factors that have acted as constraints on domestic production
relate to delays in getting forest and environmental clearances, problems associated
with land acquisition, and resettlement and rehabilitation efforts. Delays in development
of coal evacuation rail infrastructure and the law and order situation in some coal
producing areas have also acted as constraints on the pace of coal production.