No coal mine has ever been auctioned by ignoring suggestions of Environment Ministry, says Coal Ministry

The Coal Ministry yesterday said it ensures utmost care of the environment while enhancing coal production. It said that only minimum forest area required is diverted and double the area is compensated for lost forest area. 

The Ministry said in a statement that it has always kept the recommendations of the Environment Ministry and State Governments in view. It added that no coal mine has ever been auctioned by ignoring suggestions of the Environment Ministry. 

The request of the Chhattisgarh government to de-notify



coal mines falling under the Lemru Elephant Corridor has been accepted and areas beyond Lemru Elephant Corridor have also been considered for exemption. Over 40 new coal blocks having about 10 percent of the reserve of Chhattisgarh have been decided to be kept out of coal mining. Nine coal mines falling in dense Hasdeo-Arand coal fields have also been kept out of further rounds of auctions of coal blocks. The request of the Tamil Nadu government for the exclusion of three lignite mines from further auction process has also been accepted.