Compared to the current level of production, the estimated proved coal reserves are always more. In fact the estimated proved reserves of 118 billion tonnes are expected to last for over hundred years. Coal production planning closely follows the projected demand for coal. However, in view of various constraints coming in the way of enhancing coal production during the XI Five Year Plan, the gap widened between projected demand and domestic availability. This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Coal, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in a written reply in Rajya sabha today.
The Minister said that the major constraints in expanding the coal production have been delays in obtaining Environment & Forestry clearances, Land Acquisition and related R&R issues, Law & Order problems in some of the states and Coal Evacuation constraints. Government has taken up these issues in consultation with the State and Central authorities.