Power Min asks NTPC to speed up coal production from mines

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The Power Ministry on Monday asked state-run NTPC to scale up coal production from the blocks that have been re-allocated by the Coal Ministry to the power generator.

"NTPC should speed up the coal production from the coal blocks re-allocated to them by the Coal Ministry," Power Secretary P. Uma Shankar said while addressing NTPC's O&M conference here on Monday.

"Some of NTPC's coal mines were de-allocated ... now they have been re-allocated, they should do something to increase production from those blocks," Shankar said.

The Coal Ministry, last year, had cancelled allocation of five blocks, including Chatti Bariatu, Chatti Bariatu (S), Kerandari, Brahmani and Chichiro Patsimal, to NTPC as the power producer could not develop the mines in stipulated time.

However, the ministry reversed its decision last month following request by the Power Ministry to review the order. The power secretary asked the company to make best efforts to develop the coal mines.

"They (NTPC) should put best financial resources to develop those mines, that should be an important strategy to ensure fuel security," he said.