Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June had launched the auction process for commercial mining of 41 coal blocks, nine of which are in Odisha.
With a view to achieve self-reliance in the coal sector, the Ministry of Coal in association with FICCI launched the process of auction of 41 coal mines under the provisions of Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act and Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
Upon attainment of peak rated capacity of production of 225 million tonnes (MT), the government said, these mines will contribute about 15 per cent of the country’s projected total coal production in 2025-26.
According to reports, the nine coal blocks in Odisha are going to be auctioned on August 17. This would affect lives and livelihood of thousands of tribal people. More than a lakh of people would be reportedly shifted from their homes.
Further, the move could also have an adverse impact on the flora and fauna of the region. As much as 33,000 acres of agricultural and forest land would be affected.
Read: PM Modi launches auction process of 41 coal mines for commercial mining
'This will give rise to an agitation'
According to noted environmentalist Prafulla Samantra the government's decision on the coal blocks is not correct, as along with the Mahanadi, river Brahmani would also be affected due to the move. The Secretary General of the United Nations has already stressed on the need for evolving alternative sources of fuel rather than digging up coal mines, he said.
The environmentalist warned that a popular agitation would rise its head against the decision in the coming days. Instead of keeping quiet, the state government should oppose the decision to auction these coal blocks, he said.
'Additional revenue for Odisha'
On the other hand however, Prabodh Mohanty, the General Secretary of the Eastern Region Mine Owners Association, welcomed the decision, saying that the auction of coal blocks would be advantageous for the state. Odisha would get additional revenue from this, he said.
State govt throws ball into Centre's court
Meanwhile, Prafulla Mallick, the state's minister for Mines, has absolved the state government of any responsibility by throwing the ball in the Central Government's court. He said the state has nothing to say in the matter.
Read: Coal block auction in Odisha; whether transparency can be maintained in the process?
These are nine coal blocks up for auction in Odisha:
- Chhendipada 1: This coal block which comes under the Talcher coalfields in Angul district. While its geographical area is 8.301 square kilometres, the mining lease area is 2742 hectares. Forest land of 340 hectares is also included in this.
- Brahmanbila-Karadabahal: This coal block is located 34 km away from the Angul railway station. Two per cent of its total geographical area of 9.87 square km comes under forest land.
- Radhikapur East: Located at a distance of 28 km away from Angul, the geographical area of this coal block is 1030 hectares, 230 hectares of which is forest land.
- Radhikapur West: Located 23 km away from Angul railway station, the geographical area of this coal block is 1048 hectares, 91 hectares of which is forest land.
- Chhendipada 2: This coal block in Angul district comprises a geographical area of 18.99 square km, five per cent of which is forest land. Residents of Golagharia, Sana Golagharia , Bhagasahi, Nanguli and Bahalsahi villages will have to be displaced.
- Machhakata Block: The coal block located in Chhendipada block of Angul district is spread over 20.43 square km. The mining lease area is 3023 hectares which includes 71.61 hectares of forest land.
- Mahanadi Coal block: The geographical area of this coal block situated at a distance of 40 kms from Angul is 32 square km.
- Kuraloi A North: This coal block which is in Belpahar area of Jharsuguda district has a geographical area of 9.63 square Kilometres. Five per cent of this block comprises of forest land. The inhabitants of about six villages have to be displaced.
- Phulajhari East and West: The geographical area of this coal block located at a distance of 30 kms from Angul railway station is 9.44 square kms. While 10 per cent of the area is forest land, the rest 90 per cent area is non-forest land.
Read: Why Modi’s new coal mining policy can’t succeed without States, explains Anil Swarup
