Single-window clearance likely for private coal blocks

KOLKATA: The government plans to speed up development of coal blocks auctioned to private firms with an online application form and single-window clearance for mining lease, land acquisition and other approvals. It plans to set up a new platform with the help of a software development agency.

A coal sector executive said private operators of coal blocks suffered because of problems faced in various clearances.

The centre wants coal blocks to come on stream in four-five years. It wants to increase the number of coal exploration agencies, improve infrastructure for coal and amend the law to speed up approvals.


“State governments’ need to take prior approval from the centre for signing mining lease with block operators after they have received environment and forest clearances from the centre

delaying the process by six months to a year. This requirement will be scrapped from the MMDR Act.,” a coal ministry official said.