Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Coal in India has formulated an ambitious Action Plan for FY 2023-24, aimed at enhancing the production, efficiency, sustainability, and new technologies in the coal sector.
Major points of the Coal Ministry Action Plan 2023-24:
| Area of Focus | Key Objectives |
| Coal Analytics | Achieve the coal production target of 1012 MT for FY 2023-24. Increase coal production and efficiency. Formulate a coking coal strategy to enhance coking coal availability in the country. Improve the quality of coal |
| Private Investment | Achieve CAPEX target of Rs 21030 Crores for FY 2023-24. Monetize assets. Allocate 25 new coal mines for commercial mining in FY 2023-24 |
| Infrastructure Projects | Monitor new railway line projects critical for coal evacuation. Adopt a Coal Logistics Policy/Plan for effective and environmentally friendly transport of coal |
| Safety in Mines | Ensure the best safety standards in coal mines. Conduct safety management & response drills. Scientifically close mines to restore ecological balance |
| Technology Push to Coal | Implement technology roadmap in the coal sector. Promote clean coal technology such as Coal to Hydrogen, Coal & Lignite gasification, and CBM/CMM. |
| Sustainability in Coal Sector | Develop eco-parks/mine tourism. Utilize mine water/overburden and implement energy-efficient measures |
About Coal Sector in India:
India has the fifth largest coal reserves, is second in coal production (after China) and is among the largest importer of coal (mainly from Indonesia, South Africa and Australia). Coal accounts for almost 50% share in the total installed electricity generation capacity in India.
