There are plans to enhance production of coal to meet growing demand. It is estimated to be 1.5 billion tonnes by 2029-30. For smooth transit of coal to end-users, steps are also being taken to improve evacuation infrastructure through new rail projects and to mechanized coal loading through First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects.

Environmental norms are being complied in the following ways: -

1. Before opening new mine/project, prior Environmental Clearance (EC) / Forestry Clearance (FC) / CTE / CTO are secured from various regulatory agencies.
2. All mines secure, NoC from Central Ground Water Authority for extraction of ground water before commencement of mining operation.
3. In compliance of the EC/ CTE/ CTO conditions, regular environmental monitoring with respect to ambient air quality, effluent quality, noise level monitoring and ground water (both levels and quality) are monitored and reports are submitted to MoEF&CC / State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) / Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
4. In compliance of EC and Consent conditions, various carbon emission reduction measures are undertaken which are regularly augmented / strengthened as detailed below: -

• Air pollution control measures
• Water Pollution Control Measures
• Noise Pollution Control Measures:
• Land Reclamation
• MoU with Expert Agencies
• Third party evaluation of Compliance of EC Conditions
• Environmental Performance Indexing

Government has initiated several steps to ramp up domestic coal production in the country in order to achieve self-reliance. Some of the major initiatives undertaken include Single Window Clearance, amendment of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to allow captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual production after meeting the requirement of the end use plants, production through MDO mode, increasing use of mass production technologies, new projects and expansion of existing projects, and auction of coal blocks to private companies/PSUs for commercial mining. 100% Foreign Direct Investment has also been allowed for commercial mining.

Coal India Limited has planned to enhance its coal production through expansion of mines (brownfield projects), opening of new mines (greenfield projects), mechanization and modernization of its mines, both UG & OC.

This information was given by Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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