"Since the blocks are in fringe area, not in the core of Hardev-Arnad forest region, we gave approval. It was a difficult decision but at the same time, it is necessary to maintain balance between environment and development," the minister said.
"Total capacity addition of power in 11th five year plan is set at 52,000 MW which was 21,000 in 10th plan. We have to sustain progress so such border line cases should be given approval," Ramesh said.
Out of three blocks Parsa East, Kante Basan and Tara in the Hasdeo-Arand forest region, the first two are allotted for Rajasthan and third is for Chhattisgarh.
"Approval for three coal-blocks was made on six major grounds last evening. Two state governments were involved in this and they have been following up the matter because their power generation projects are linked with the blocks," Ramesh told reporters here. Read the full report here.
Source: Moneycontrol.com.
