No coal mining in forests, wildlife park, sancturies: Jaiswal

NAGPUR: Union minister of state for coal, Shriprakash Jaiswal asserted that his ministry will not allow coal mining in 40% of 'no go area' in the country.

Explaining his point, Jaiswal told reporters at Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) headquarters here that thick forests, wildlife park and wildlife sanctuaries will cover those 40% 'no go area.'

Listing priorities of Coal Ministry after assuming power, Jaiswal said coal sector will be strengthened as per the vision of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. The PM wants to strengthen the power sector which was depending on 60 to 65 per cent on coal and hence all efforts are made to strengthen coal sector.

As part of strengthening, the Coal Ministry will now focus on acquiring allotted land with the help of Chief Ministers of the states concerned. "We will hold discussions with chief ministers and farmers whose land is acquired for coal mining," he said.

Even if the land is acquired, but not in physical possession of coal company, there is no use and hence now concentrated efforts will be made to possess the land physically for coal mining, the minister said. Similarly there is need for enhancing coal production and coal ministry will make all out efforts in this direction.