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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ministry of Coal organises hands-on-training workshop on Exploration Module of Single Window Clearance System
In a significant move to accelerate digital transformation in the coal sector, the Ministry of Coal organised a hands-on training workshop and interactive session on the Exploration Module of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) on July 25, as per a release. The training workshop was held at the Tagore Chamber, SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, with the aim of equipping stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the module's functionalities and promoting its adoption for the efficient handling of exploration-related submissions and approvals. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority (AS & NA), chaired the session and emphasised the transformative potential of digital platforms in expediting and simplifying approval processes within the coal sector. She urged all stakeholders to proactively engage with the SWCS portal, highlighting that digital systems are essential for achieving transparency, efficiency, and accountability. The workshop also featured the participation of senior officials from the Ministry of Coal, who offered technical briefings and addressed queries and concerns of stakeholders regarding the module's operational framework. In collaboration with CMPDIL , the Ministry facilitated a detailed demonstration of the Exploration Module, providing participants with a practical understanding of its end-to-end digital workflow. The session outlined the complete process for submission, evaluation, and approval of critical exploration documents, including Geological Report (GR) schemes, progress updates, compliance filings, and final GRs. This hands-on walkthrough provided stakeholders with greater clarity on the module's functionalities and underscored its role in streamlining and digitising exploration approvals. The Exploration Module that was launched by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, on July 4, marks a significant milestone in the Ministry's digital governance journey by replacing the manual process with a fully digital system. It enables real-time tracking, structured timelines, and automated communication, thereby minimising delays and fostering a transparent and accountable approval mechanism. It represents a key step toward a more efficient and modern coal administration framework. The workshop saw active and enthusiastic participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including coal block allottees , accredited exploration agencies, and senior technical personnel. Participants commended the Exploration Module for its user-friendly interface, streamlined processes, and capacity to simplify clearances. The interactive format encouraged open dialogue, allowing stakeholders to raise implementation-specific concerns and receive guidance directly from Ministry officials and CMPDIL experts, fostering a collaborative and solution-oriented environment. The Exploration Module forms an integral part of the wider Single Window Clearance System (SWCS), which has been operational since January 11, 2021. The SWCS serves as a unified digital gateway for obtaining various statutory clearances, including Mining Plans, Mine Opening Permissions, and Environmental and Forest Clearances. It is already integrated with the National Single Window System (NSWS) and is being aligned with PARIVESH 2.0 to enable seamless inter-ministerial coordination and digital synergy. The Ministry of Coal reaffirms its steadfast commitment to fostering a transparent, efficient, and technology-driven governance ecosystem. By promoting the widespread adoption of digital platforms, such as the SWCS and its Exploration Module, the Ministry is paving the way for faster clearances, improved accountability, and streamlined operations across the coal sector. Stakeholders are encouraged to fully embrace these digital systems, in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat and Digital India, to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence in the years ahead.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Underground mining at Gondkhari: A sustainable boost to environment and local economy
Ahmedabad: The development of Gondkhari Underground Coal Block near Nagpur will witness least disturbance to the villages and forests on the surface. The Ministry of Coal that awarded the block to Adani Power Limited through competitive bidding will produce two million tonnes of coal annually using underground technology. The block awarded to Adani Power Limited through competitive bidding forms part of the Coal Ministry's strategy to produce two million tonnes of coal annually in the country, using underground technology. The project will set a precedent for environmentally conscious resource extraction. Unlike traditional open-cast mining, the Gondkhari project will ensure minimal surface disruption. Of the total 862.00 hectares, including 87.351 hectares of revenue forest land, will remain undisturbed as no infrastructure development or mining operations will occur on forest land. As a result, the underground mining project will prevent tree felling and forest degradation, which are the major concerns of the stakeholders today. The company will develop mine entries and infrastructure on privately acquired land, ensuring that forest patches remain intact. This underground approach not only safeguards biodiversity but also aligns with the principles of ecological conservation. The Forest Diversion Proposal underscores the project's commitment to regulatory compliance, especially with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Beyond environmental stewardship, the Gondkhairi Underground Mining project promises substantial socio-economic benefits. It is a much-awaited project since it does not involve any resettlement of people and will generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities for over 2500 people in Vidarbha region. Adani Power has developed an extensive CSR plan for the local communities covering critical areas such as Education, Health, livelihood and rural infrastructure, among others. Local youth will be empowered through skill development programs facilitated by Adani Power, including initiatives under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). These programs aim to uplift the community by enhancing employability and fostering inclusive growth. Also, the project will enhance the revenue for the state government through royalty, taxes, and duties. The Gondkhiari Underground Coal Mine project exemplifies how modern mining can harmonise with nature while catalysing regional development. By prioritising underground technology and community engagement, it offers a blueprint for responsible mining that benefits both the environment and the local economy.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India saved ₹60,681 crore forex by cutting coal imports in 2024-25: G. Kishan Reddy
India has reduced its annual coal imports by around 20.91 million tonnes, enabling the country to save foreign exchange to the tune of ₹60,681.67 crore during the FY 2024-2025 compared to FY 2023-24, Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy informed Parliament on Monday. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that the total coal imported into the country during 2024-25 was 243.62 million tonnes (MT), whereas, in 2023-24, it was 264.53 MT. He said that most of the requirement of coal in the country is met through indigenous production. The Ministry of Coal has set an ambitious domestic coal production target of about 1.5 billion tonnes by FY 2029-30. The focus of the Government is on increasing the domestic production of coal and reducing non-essential coal imports. The Ministry of Coal also launched the Coal Logistic Plan and Policy in February 2024 to develop infrastructure for efficient coal evacuation in the country, considering increased coal production projection by FY 2029-30. For reducing dependence on imported coal and promoting domestic production, the Government has facilitated allocation of coal blocks, encouraging private sector participation and streamlining the process for obtaining necessary approvals for coal mining projects. Additionally, the thrust is on increasing coal production by government coal companies by introduction of modern technologies like First Mile connectivity (FMC) and digitalisation, the minister explained. He also said that in order to encourage consumption of domestic coal, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) was constituted for coal import substitution. IMC, through its various meetings, has identified Import Coal Based (ICB) plants where the supply of domestic coal may be examined. These plants have indicated their specific coal requirements and preferred CIL subsidiaries. Besides, the government has been focusing on improving coal evacuation infrastructure. In line with Government of India directives, Coal companies have undertaken improvement in coal transportation and supply chain efficiency through construction of new Railway lines and First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects in a phased manner. He further stated that under the Government's Revised Shakti Policy, 2025, the Imported Coal Based (ICB) Plants are allowed to secure coal under Window-II of the Policy, which has helped to increase the consumption of domestic coal.
New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kishan seeks Telangana government's cooperation to execute renewable energy projects
HYDERABAD: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Thursday sought the cooperation of Telangana government in executing renewable energy projects proposed by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) under the Ministry of Coal. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, the Union Coal & Mines minister said that the CPSUs under the Ministry of Coal, especially the Coal India Limited (CIL) and NLC India Limited (NLCIL), are ready to partner with the Telangana government to implement key renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power plants, pumped storage projects (PSP), and battery energy storage systems (BESS). 'These projects will attract investments of about Rs 10,000 crore in the next three years,' he said. In his letter, Kishan said that the state government's support is required for land acquisition and land allotment for these projects. 'Recognising Telangana's potential in renewable energy generation, the Centre is providing complete support for green energy generation in the state. The chief minister should take a special interest to take this (cooperation) forward,' he said. 'Constructive partnership and proper coordination between the state government and CPSUs are essential for successful implementation of these projects,' he said. 'These projects would play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and ensuring sustainable natural resource management. These projects also promise significant socio-economic benefits, such as job creation, skill development, enhanced energy security, affordable power access, inclusive growth, and an improved quality of life,' he added.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Union Minister Kishan Reddy writes to Telangana CM on tie-up for renewable energy projects
Hyderabad: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has written to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, stating that Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) under the Ministry of Coal are ready to partner with the state government to implement key renewable energy projects. In his letter on July 16, Kishan Reddy said that PSUs such as Coal India Limited (CIL) and Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL) are prepared to collaborate with Telangana on projects including solar and wind power plants, Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), and battery energy storage systems (BESS), which are expected to attract investments of nearly ₹10,000 crore over the next three years. These projects would play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and ensuring sustainable natural resource management, the letter said. They also promise significant socio-economic benefits, such as job creation , skill development, enhanced energy security, affordable power access, inclusive growth, and an improved quality of life, it added. "To bring these projects to fruition, I request that a structured and seamless coordination mechanism be established between the state government and the CPSUs. Needless to say, your active and timely engagement will be instrumental in ensuring the swift and effective implementation of these projects," the union minister further said. Given Telangana's considerable renewable energy potential and the central government's strong commitment to green growth, this collaboration presents an opportunity to accelerate the state's economic development and position it as a key player in India's sustainable energy transition . The developmental synergy between the central and state governments is critical to achieving long-term national priorities such as energy security and climate resilience, while also fostering economic well-being and growth, Kishan Reddy noted.
