Inter-ministerial group recommends de-allocation of two more coal blocks

NEW DELHI: An official panel has recommended de-allocation of two more coal blocks held by five companies including Gujarat Ambuja Cement, Grasim Industries and Lafarge India Pvt Ltd.

"The inter-ministerial group (IMG) reviewing coal blocks development recommended cancellation of mining licences of Bhaskarapara block in Chhattisgarh and Dahegaon Makardhokra IV in Maharashtra," a member of the panel said on Thursday.

The Dahegaon Makardhokra IV coal block with 132 million tonnes reserves was allocated to IST Steel & Power Ltd, Gujarat Ambuja Cement and Lafarge India Pvt Ltd in 2009.

The Bhaskarapara block in Chhattisgarh with 48 million tonnes of reserves was allotted to Electrotherm (India) Ltd and Grasim Industries Ltd in 2008.

The IMG has recommended de-allocation of 13 coal blocks.