Record-breaking Coal and Lignite Production in India
GS-3 Mains
Short Notes or Revision Notes
Question : Discuss the distribution of coal deposits in India and the types of coal resources available. Evaluate the importance of coal in India’s energy mix and its contribution to various industries.
Production
- India achieved a record-breaking coal and lignite production of 1 billion tonnes in FY 2023-24.
- This surpasses the previous year’s total of 937 million tonnes (MT).
- Production has grown over 70% in the last decade due to government support for capacity expansion.
- India is the world’s second-largest coal consumer after China.
Coal Deposits in India
- Gondwana sediments (eastern and central India) are the primary source of coal deposits.
- Tertiary coal deposits are found in the northeast (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya).
- Major coal resources are located in: West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and some northeastern states.
Types of Coal
- Lignite: Low-grade brown coal, high in moisture. Used for electricity generation (mainly Neyveli, Tamil Nadu).
- Bituminous coal: Most common type, formed from buried coal exposed to high temperatures.
- Anthracite: Highest quality hard coal.
Importance of Coal in India
- Accounts for 55% of India’s energy needs and is crucial for industrial development.
- Over 70% of India’s electricity comes from coal-fired power plants.
- Essential input for steel production and other industries like cement, fertilizer, chemicals, paper, etc.
- Provides direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to socio-economic development.
Issues and Challenges
- Environmental impact: Coal production and use release pollutants into air, water, and land, harming ecosystems and human health.
- Resource depletion: Coal reserves are depleting faster than production is increasing. Reasons include:
- Rising power demand
- Unseasonal rainfall in coal-bearing areas
- Non-payment by power sector consumers
- Labor/industrial relation issues
- Land acquisition problems
- Balancing development with clean energy goals:
- India is increasing renewable energy capacity but will rely on coal until it reaches developed nation status.
Way Forward
- Implement clean coal technologies to reduce emissions from the power sector.
- Revise emission standards for coal power plants.
- Promote reuse and recycling to minimize environmental impact.
- Continue efforts towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Recent Coal Sector Reforms
- 1973: Nationalization of coal mining (private sector only for captive use)
- 2014: SC cancels coal blocks allocation
- 2015: Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act (CMSP) allows private sector participation through auction
- 2020: Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act:
- Removes restrictions on coal end-use
- Grants right to exploit coal bed methane (CBM) and minor minerals
- Prakash Portal: Online platform for coordination in the coal sector
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan promotes infrastructure development in the coal sector
- Single-window clearance system for coal projects
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