CEA asks Tata, Hindalco others to speed up coal mine output

The Central Electricity Authority has asked companies including NTPC, Hindalco, Tata Power and Tata Steel to expedite production from captive coal blocks allocated to them and inform it about any constraints.

Also Read: No criminality in coal block allocation: CBI sources

"A meeting was held...to review the status of development of captive coal blocks allocated for power generation," according to the minutes. "There are constraints in supply of coal to new power plants...therefore, it is necessary to expedite the development of captive coal blocks," the minutes said.

The Supreme Court had observed last week that huge investments made by companies in coal blocks without getting approvals cannot be a ground for not cancelling licences. The apex court had sought the Centre's response on whether it intended to de-allocate such mines. The CEA asked "the participants to intimate the latest status of development of captive coal blocks and end-use power plants, including the constraints being faced by them, if any, in obtaining clearances, land acquisition and mining lease," according to the minutes of the meeting.