On the basis of the review of progress of development of the coal blocks 47 coal blocks have been de-allocated so far. Out of the 47 de-allocated coal blocks, two coal blocks namely Utkal B-1 and Utkal-A have been allocated again. Three coal blocks, namely, Brahmini, Chichro Pastimal and East of Damogaria (Kalyaneshwari) have been assigned to Coal India Limited. The de-allocation of five coal blocks namely, Chatti Bariatu, Chatti Bariatu South, Kerandari, Banhardih and Saharpur Jamarpani has been withdrawn. This information was given by the Minister of State for Coal, Shri Pratik PrakashBapu Patil in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
The Minister said that Chatti Bariatu, Chattibariatu (South) and Kerandari coal blocks allocated to NTPC were de-allocated on 14.06.2011 on the basis of recommendations of review committee meetings held on 28.01.2011 & 04.02.2011. The allocatee company and Ministry of Power have represented for cancellation of de-allocation. The matter was referred to the Review Committee, which has recommended withdrawal of de-allocation. The in-principle approval to withdraw de-allocation was conveyed to NTPC on 27.01.2012. In the meanwhile, the commencement of the Mines and Mineral (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2010 as well as Auction by Competitive Bidding of Coal Mines Rules, 2012 were notified in February 2012. As the above Rules were notified before the formal withdrawal of de-allocation letter, a reference was made to Ministry of Law and Justice (MoLJ). The Ministry of Law & Justice has advised that the proposed action is not in contravention of Act/Rules and further opined that upon the withdrawal of de-allocation in principle vide Ministry of Coal letter dated 27.01.2012, status quo ante as prior to 14.06.2011 with respect of the concerned coal blocks stood restored. Accordingly, de-allocation in respect of Chatti Bariatu, Chattibariatu (South) and Kerandari coal blocks was withdraw n on 23rd January, 2013.
Shri Patil said that similarly, the de-allocation in respect of Sahapur Jamarpani and Banhardih coal blocks allocated to Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and Jharkhand State Electricity Board respectively has also been withdrawn on 28th February, 2012.
As there are no cases similar to the cases referred to the parts (b)&(c) above, no action is contemplated in other cases.