Nagpur News: While chairing the session in International Conference held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat on 8th and 9th January 2013, on the subject “Mining Minerals and Metals” under the aegis of “Vibrant Gujarat” initiative promoted by the State Government of Gujarat, D C Garg, Chairman cum Managing Director (MD), Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), addressed the participants on the subject “Policy Reforms in Coal Sector for accelerated growth”.
Garg presented before the delegates arrived from different parts of the country and abroad, saying, “The coal demand in the country is slated to enhance from 650 million tonnes to 981 million tonnes during the 12th five year plan. The corresponding supply of coal from the Indian mines is slated to increase from 536 million tonnes to 795 million tonnes. That means a hefty increase of coal production not only from the domestic sector, but the balance 185 million tonnes the difference between demand and supply will push the coal imports. Though the GDP growth in the country which has been subdued at 5.4% during the half year (April to Sept 2012), it is expected to bounce back on the original level of 8% in coming years. The Policy Reforms like industry-conducive land acquisition and R&R policies, impetus on infrastructural development in highways, rail links and ports to facilitate the movement of coal, faster clearances of environmental and forestry permissions will infuse the high growth potential in Indian Coal Sector. In view of rising proportion of coal production from captive mines and other sources, the industry is looking forward for a strong institution of Coal Regulator on similar lines like that in electricity, telecom insurance and aviation sector.”
Garg also said that Western Coalfields Limited, a Nagpur- based Coal PSU has taken up massive land acquisition initiatives for augmentation of coal production during the 12th plan. “At present the company is working on 34 coal projects of capacity 34 million tonnes, with investment of Rs 1460 crores”, he said.
