The two companies are eyeing the Mahan coal block as a captive mine for their proposed power plants — a 1,200 MW unit by Essar and 650 MW unit by Hindalco. The block falls in a dense forest area with rich biodiversity in a zone that has now been classified as ‘no-go' for coal mining. The environment ministry's move to let the GoM take a decision on the coal block is in keeping with the compromise solution regarding approvals related to mining projects falling in the ‘no-go' areas.
With the coal ministry strongly contesting outright rejection of all mining projects in ‘no-go' areas, environment minister Jairam Ramesh had proposed to take a re-look at some of these projects and clear those where damage to the forests could be minimised to his ministry's satisfaction. The others would be placed before the GoM for a decision, he had said. Read the full report here.
Source: Indian Express, New Delhi.
