The Coal Ministry would consult the Law Ministry on re-allocation of three mines to NTPC. The blocks are Chatti Bariatu, Chatti Bariatu (South) and Kerandari.
On Thursday the Power Secretary P. Uma Shankar said the Government had decided to give back the blocks to NTPC.
The extra-cautious Coal Ministry does not want to take any step that may set a precedence, indicated senior officials.
The Law Ministry had given its go-ahead on the same issue a few months ago during the tenure of then Coal Secretary Alok Perti.
The issue has been discussed between the Prime Minister’s Office, Finance, Power and Coal Ministries. After vetting by the Law Ministry, the Coal Ministry decided to cancel the de-allocation letters issued earlier.
Chatti Bariatu and Kerandari were allocated in 2006, while, Chatti Bariatu (South) was given to the power producer in 2007.
NTPC ORISSA UNIT
NTPC on Friday said the 1,600-MW project at Darlipali in Odisha will commence soon, as the State Government has assured to complete land acquisition by December 10.
NTPC targets to invest Rs 11,400 crore in the unit, it said in a statement.
The Darlipali project would get coal from Dulanga mine and water from Hirakud reservoir. Equipment for the plant has been placed with BHEL and BGR-Hitachi.
The forest clearance for the Dulanga mine is also expected shortly.
siddhartha.s@thehindu.co.in