Latest news with #CIL
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Coal India Ltd likely to produce 1 billion tonnes of coal in 2026-27: Minister
New Delhi: India's total coal production has already crossed the 1 billion tonnes (BT) mark in the financial year 2024-25, and the coal output of the country's largest company, Coal India Limited (CIL), is targeted to cross the 1 billion tonnes mark by 2026-27, the Parliament was informed on Monday. Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy told the Rajya Sabha, in a written reply, that Coal India Ltd produced 781.07 million tonnes in 2024-25 and the target for 2026-27 has been fixed at 1004.00 billion tonnes. He further stated that most of the requirement of coal in the country is met through indigenous coal production. Import of coal mainly consists of essential imports like coking coal and higher grade non-coking coal, as their domestic production is limited due to either scarce reserves or non-availability. In order to meet future demand for coal through indigenous sources and to reduce non-essential imports of coal, domestic coal production is expected to grow by 6-7 per cent annually in the next few years to reach about 1.5 billion tonnes by 2029-30. The all-India domestic coal production in the year 2024-2025 was 1047.67 million tonnes (MT) in comparison to 997.83 MT in the year 2023-2024, with the growth of about 4.99 per cent. The minister said that the government has initiated several steps to ramp up domestic coal production and to eliminate non-essential imports of coal in the country. Some of the major initiatives undertaken include Single Window Clearance, amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to allow captive mines to sell up to 50 per cent of their annual production after meeting the requirement of the end-use plants, production through MDO mode, increasing use of mass production technologies, new projects and expansion of existing projects, and auction of coal blocks to private companies and PSUs for commercial mining. As part of the economic reforms, 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment has also been allowed for commercial mining to increase production.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Nearly 4,000 MT of coal vanishes from 2 sites in Meghalaya, HC seeks accountability
Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya has sought accountability from the state government and its agencies after nearly 4,000 metric tonnes (MT) of illegally mined coal vanished from two coal depots in the state-Rajaju and Diengngan villages-despite the stock being previously recorded through official surveys. In a scathing observation, the High Court bench headed by Justice HS Thangkhiew, which heard the matter on Thursday, has asked authorities to identify the individuals or officials responsible for allowing the disappearance of coal that had already been detected and flagged for action. The revelation comes from the 31st interim report submitted by the Justice (Retd) BP Katakey Committee, which is monitoring coal mining and transportation issues in the state. The report states that during ground verification, only 2.5 MT of coal was found at Diengngan against the 1,839.03 MT earlier recorded by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA), while at Rajaju, just 8 MT remained out of the 2,121.62 MT recorded. The court observed that this illegal coal was detected much earlier, and yet, "unidentified persons" managed to lift and transport the coal, raising serious questions about enforcement on the ground. It directed the state to take urgent action to trace those responsible and ensure officials under whose watch the lapse occurred are held to account. Apart from the vanishing coal, the report also highlighted several unresolved issues around the disposal of re-assessed and re-verified inventoried coal stockpiled at Coal India Limited (CIL) depots. Following the court's order dated June 2, meetings were held with various stakeholders, including CIL, to formulate a more reliable and expeditious method of auctioning the remaining inventoried coal. CIL submitted four proposals, three of which are already part of the Revised Comprehensive Plan, 2022, even as the committee has recommended the inclusion of two new clauses mandating that full payment must be made within 120 days, and that coal be lifted within 120 days of full payment. Failure to comply would result in bid cancellation, forfeiture of the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), and re-auctioning of the coal. To make the auction process more inclusive and effective, the committee has also recommended that meetings be convened with local authorised coal-based industries to encourage their participation. It also proposed offering concessional rates to bulk consumers besides a suggestion was also made by CIL that the auction process be temporarily paused until all pending issues are resolved. The court noted that the state has accepted this recommendation and has currently put fresh auctions of inventoried coal on hold. The committee also examined 21 applications from individuals claiming that their coal stocks were not reflected in the UAV survey conducted by M/s Garuda UAV and MBDA. Of these, only one claim was found to be genuine, the court observed. Fourteen applicants' coal stocks could not be matched with the survey coordinates, six were not supported by affidavits submitted to the Supreme Court, and one individual's coal was not part of the official inventory, the court noted. The high court has asked the state to clarify what action has been taken in response to these applications-whether police complaints or FIRs under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, have been filed-and to report the outcomes. A status report filed by the state in response to the Committee's 30th Interim Report confirmed that FIRs had been filed in connection with the missing coal in Rajaju and Diengngan, as well as in South Garo Hills, but provided no further details on investigation or accountability. The committee has directed deputy commissioners to cross-check the physical coal stock with UAV survey data and lodge FIRs in cases of significant discrepancies. The report also addressed the issue of mismatch between truck numbers and transport challans, stating the discrepancy arose from mechanical breakdowns and reloading of coal onto alternate vehicles, and not from fraudulent documentation. Overloading concerns are reportedly being addressed by enforcement teams. On the reported death of a coal miner in Musiang village, a police report has found the claim to be false. Regarding ongoing efforts to regulate and monitor coal-based industries, the report noted that the source audit of coke oven plants is still in progress. The Advocate General has assured the court that the audit findings will be placed on record at the next hearing. As challenges continue with the implementation of Smart Check Gates at mining and transport points, the committee noted that integration with customs check gates is being actively explored to strengthen coal movement monitoring. The report also recorded progress in the recovery of demurrage charges, and a total of Rs 13.49 lakh has been realised so far, with Rs 5.01 lakh pending. Notices have been issued to recover the outstanding amount, the court was informed. Taking into account the multiple pending issues related to coal auction, illegal mining, missing coal stocks, and mine closures, the court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on August 25, and directed that copies of the 31st interim report be made available to all relevant parties for compliance and further action. PTI>
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Nearly 4,000 MT of coal vanishes from 2 sites in Meghalaya, HC seeks accountability
Shillong, The High Court of Meghalaya has sought accountability from the state government and its agencies after nearly 4,000 metric tonnes of illegally mined coal vanished from two coal depots in the state—Rajaju and Diengngan villages—despite the stock being previously recorded through official surveys. Nearly 4,000 MT of coal vanishes from 2 sites in Meghalaya, HC seeks accountability In a scathing observation, the High Court bench headed by Justice HS Thangkhiew, which heard the matter on Thursday, has asked authorities to identify the individuals or officials responsible for allowing the disappearance of coal that had already been detected and flagged for action. The revelation comes from the 31st interim report submitted by the Justice BP Katakey Committee, which is monitoring coal mining and transportation issues in the state. The report states that during ground verification, only 2.5 MT of coal was found at Diengngan against the 1,839.03 MT earlier recorded by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority , while at Rajaju, just 8 MT remained out of the 2,121.62 MT recorded. The court observed that this illegal coal was detected much earlier, and yet, "unidentified persons" managed to lift and transport the coal, raising serious questions about enforcement on the ground. It directed the state to take urgent action to trace those responsible and ensure officials under whose watch the lapse occurred are held to account. Apart from the vanishing coal, the report also highlighted several unresolved issues around the disposal of re-assessed and re-verified inventoried coal stockpiled at Coal India Limited depots. Following the court's order dated June 2, meetings were held with various stakeholders, including CIL, to formulate a more reliable and expeditious method of auctioning the remaining inventoried coal. CIL submitted four proposals, three of which are already part of the Revised Comprehensive Plan, 2022, even as the committee has recommended the inclusion of two new clauses mandating that full payment must be made within 120 days, and that coal be lifted within 120 days of full payment. Failure to comply would result in bid cancellation, forfeiture of the Earnest Money Deposit , and re-auctioning of the coal. To make the auction process more inclusive and effective, the committee has also recommended that meetings be convened with local authorised coal-based industries to encourage their participation. It also proposed offering concessional rates to bulk consumers besides a suggestion was also made by CIL that the auction process be temporarily paused until all pending issues are resolved. The court noted that the state has accepted this recommendation and has currently put fresh auctions of inventoried coal on hold. The committee also examined 21 applications from individuals claiming that their coal stocks were not reflected in the UAV survey conducted by M/s Garuda UAV and MBDA. Of these, only one claim was found to be genuine, the court observed. Fourteen applicants' coal stocks could not be matched with the survey coordinates, six were not supported by affidavits submitted to the Supreme Court, and one individual's coal was not part of the official inventory, the court noted. The high court has asked the state to clarify what action has been taken in response to these applications—whether police complaints or FIRs under the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957, have been filed—and to report the outcomes. A status report filed by the state in response to the Committee's 30th Interim Report confirmed that FIRs had been filed in connection with the missing coal in Rajaju and Diengngan, as well as in South Garo Hills, but provided no further details on investigation or accountability. The committee has directed deputy commissioners to cross-check the physical coal stock with UAV survey data and lodge FIRs in cases of significant discrepancies. The report also addressed the issue of mismatch between truck numbers and transport challans, stating the discrepancy arose from mechanical breakdowns and reloading of coal onto alternate vehicles, and not from fraudulent documentation. Overloading concerns are reportedly being addressed by enforcement teams. On the reported death of a coal miner in Musiang village, a police report has found the claim to be false. Regarding ongoing efforts to regulate and monitor coal-based industries, the report noted that the source audit of coke oven plants is still in progress. The Advocate General has assured the court that the audit findings will be placed on record at the next hearing. As challenges continue with the implementation of Smart Check Gates at mining and transport points, the committee noted that integration with customs check gates is being actively explored to strengthen coal movement monitoring. The report also recorded progress in the recovery of demurrage charges, and a total of ₹13.49 lakh has been realised so far, with ₹5.01 lakh pending. Notices have been issued to recover the outstanding amount, the court was informed. Taking into account the multiple pending issues related to coal auction, illegal mining, missing coal stocks, and mine closures, the court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on August 25, and directed that copies of the 31st interim report be made available to all relevant parties for compliance and further action. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
TDP MPs urge Centre to supply adequate urea
Guntur: TDP Parliamentary Party leader and Narasaraopet MP Lavu Krishnadevarayalu, along with MPs Kalisetti Appalanaidu and Tenneti Krishna Prasad, met Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday in Delhi and submitted a representation seeking immediate redressal of the urea shortage crisis in Andhra Pradesh. During the meeting, MP Krishnadevarayalu sought the Centre's support for the dissemination of urea in adequate, required amounts for the state farmers. In the letter submitted he mentioned, as per the July 2025 Kharif supply plan, the Department of Fertilizers had allocated 1,30,000 metric tonnes (MTs) of urea to Andhra Pradesh. However, by 18th July, only 49,485 MTs had reached the state, including material in transit, leaving a shortfall of 80,515 MTs. He said over 1.16 lakh hectares are under paddy cultivation, and major kharif crops such as groundnut, red gram, cotton, and maize are being sown across 8.21 lakh hectares. The resulting demand-supply mismatch has led to panic buying and market pressure on urea availability. They requested to allot 10,000 MTs from M/s KRIBHCO from their Hazira and Tuticorin port plants, increase the allocation from M/s CIL's vessel expected at Krishnapatnam port from 2,400 MTs to 10,000 MTs, ensure timely delivery of upcoming shipments by M/s CIL in line with the supply plan, allocating 11,000 MTs from the MV MAGDA P vessel of M/s IPL expected at Gangavaram port on 20th July, providing 5,000 MTs from leftover RFCL stock arriving via M/s NFL at Gangavaram port.
CBS News
4 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Berkeley activist uses Disability Pride Month to promote disability quilt project
Every July, Pride Disability Month gives Maya Morya Selkie Scott another reason to celebrate and cover herself in sequins, color, and a lot of fabulous glam. "I am a living, breathing, dancing, rainbow," said Scott. But for Scott, who uses an electric wheelchair to get around town, her colorful outfits are part of her daily routine that serves a dual purpose in life. "I am hyper visible whether I want to be or not, and I really chose to amplify joy, humor, curiosity, and creativity," she said. "But there is a strategy as well. I have almost been hit multiple times on the street, and part of the reason why I dress this way is so I can stay safe while in public." Being visible herself and making sure people living with disabilities are also visible has become her life mission as an activist and artist in residence for the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley. "Disabled people have been part of humanity since the beginning of time, and it hasn't been by accepting the lie of our invisibility, it has been by coming together, by doing civil disobedience, dancing in the streets, creating music and dance and art," said Scott. Her most recent project involves creating a quilt she calls the "Disability Justice Community Stories Quilt Project," which allows people to create and design their own panels to voice their own stories. "I was very impacted by being able to honor our ancestors in the AIDS Memorial Quilt," she said. "We hope the Disability Justice Quilt will carry the same power through a collective creation." It is a quilt that has already woven its way across the country, including parades and protests in the Bay Area, and this past April in Washington D.C., giving a national voice to educate people and politicians about disability rights. Many of those rights were established 35 years ago, when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in various areas, including employment, transportation, and public accommodations. Even before the ADA became law, the CIL in Berkeley became a haven and home for people with disabilities more than 50 years ago. Dr. Victor Pineda, who now serves as executive director, says the quilt is more than a piece of art; it's an artifact with a purpose. "I think when you interact with the quilt, you understand how our lives are woven together. You understand how we are stitching a better experience, how we can make our communities more resilient, and how we each have a role to play," said Pineda. For the past year, people have come together each month to create and design panels for the growing quilt to tell stories about family, love and struggle, justice and victories. So far, 20 panels have been made. "When people see the quilt, I want people to feel energy, emotion, rage, grief, and joy. And most deeply, I want people to feel love, connection, and hope," said Scott. Hope that will change the fabric of how their community is seen, one stitch at a time.
