FULL TRANSCRIPT
Deocha-Pachami-Harinsingha-Dewanganj (DPHD) coal block is the largest coal mine in the country and the second largest in the world. Spread over an area of 12.31 Square kilometre this has an estimated reserve of 2102 million tonnes of coal.
Bengal got the allocation of DPHD coal block in Birbhum from the Central Government vide allocation letter dated 06.06.2018, after a wait of 3 years. But in spite of repeated requests, the State Government has not yet received formal Allotment Order from the Centre.
This is a clear case of depriving the State of Bengal. The Ministry of Coal, vide its letter dated 10.09.2018, instructed us to undertake certain preparatory activities, which was done and the Ministry of Coal was informed on 25.09.2018
West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL) is unable to operate the Power Plants at full efficiency for want of adequate supply of coal. Approximate requirement of coal per day is 55 thousand MT and average supply per day is 42 thousand MT.
Operationalization of this mine will ensure regular flow of coal for running of the power plants of WBPDCL in full capacity since this mine will supply coal to the power plants in Bengal and other states.
Therefore, I request the government to expedite the process and ensure that the formal Allotment Order is sent at the earliest.