The government had formulated go no-go policy for coal mining in forest areas clearly demarcating areas where mining can be allowed.
But, now the coal ministry wants mining permission in debarred areas. "The ministry of coal has been consistently taking the stand that all the blocks in Hasdeo-Arand coalfields should be given forest clearance, may be even with more stringent conditions," a note for Monday's GoM headed by finance minister Pranab Mukerjee says.
The GoM in its four meetings have discussed the impact go no-go policy on mining and decided to consider the projects where environment ministry refuses to grant clearance. Of the eight coal blocks under this category former environment minister Jairam Ramesh had cleared some.
One project, which was rejected Morga-II coal block, is expected to be discussed at the GoM meeting along with clearance for 17 coal blocks in dense forests of Hasdeo-Arand. Read the full report here.
Source: Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times, New Delhi.
