While relocation of the NTPC's plant would save the coal bed, Natarajan opposed most of the projects that came up for discussion before the GoM citing green concerns, sources said.
"She was cornered in the meeting while others pushed for early clearances," they said.
The group of ministers (GoM), headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, decided that the NTPC's plant can be relocated to low coal-bearing areas in the vicinity.
On a different dispute involving mining in Mahan and Chhatrasal coal blocks in Madhya Pradesh, the ministerial panel asked the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to constitute an expert committee to assess the environmental impact on Rihand dam and report in 10 days.
The GoM is likely to meet again before the Budget to resolve several other contentious issues, hurting coal and power projects.
The government is trying to fast track environmental and other regulatory clearances to important infrastructure projects and the Prime Minister's office is directly monitoring the progress. Read the full report here.
Source: Zee News, New Delhi.
