GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COAL 

LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 2932

ANSWERED ON: 27.08.2013

COAL

(a) whether the quantum of coal reserves in the country has been assessed as almost the same as that of the coal reserves in China; 

(b) if not, the views of the World Coal Association in this regard; 

(c) whether the coal production in India is lesser in comparison to the coal production in China; 

(d) if so, the details thereof, and 

(e) the reasons for the shortfall in coal production in India thereby failing to meet the demand of coal in the country? 

ANSWER

(a)  (b): As per Coal Directory of India 2011-12 of Coal Controllers Organization, share of proved coal reserves (including Lignite) of China  India are 13.3   700  respectively of total World Coal reserves. 

(c): Yes, coal production of India is lesser than that of China. 

 (d): As per Coal Directory of India 2011-12 of Coal Controllers Organization, coal production of China  India in 2011 is 3420 Mt  39 Mt respectively. The all India coal production in 2012-13 was 8 Mt. 

 (e): The overall production of coal in the country is short of the estimated demand at present. Some of the factors that have acted as constraints on domestic production relate to delays in getting forest and environmental clearances, problems associated with land acquisition, and resettlement and rehabilitation efforts. Delays in development of coal evacuation rail infrastructure and the law and order situation in some coal producing areas have also acted as constraints on the pace of coal production.