From April to January of the current fiscal year, coal production experienced a surge of 16 percent, reaching a total of 698 million tonnes. This represents a significant increase compared to the 601 million tonnes produced during the same period in the previous year. According to sources from the coal ministry, Coal India Limited (CIL) observed a growth in production of 15.23 percent during this period, with a total output of 550.93 million tonnes, as opposed to 478.12 million tonnes in the preceding year.
As a result of the notable rise in domestic coal production, the country has managed to drastically curtail its reliance on imported coal, particularly given the mounting consumption of power. This accomplishment is especially noteworthy, given the substantial need for coal in diverse sectors and industries.
It is worth mentioning that there has been a substantial uptick in coal production in the nation, especially by Coal India Limited (CIL), a state-owned enterprise engaged in coal mining. This surge in production has occurred at a crucial juncture, with the demand for coal escalating in India, particularly in the power industry, where coal remains the predominant source of energy.
This rise in domestic coal production has been a crucial factor in reducing the dependence on imported coal, as it has allowed the country to become more self-sufficient in terms of its energy requirements. In light of the sharp increase in power consumption, this boost in coal production has helped to meet the growing energy needs of the country.
It is worth mentioning that coal production is an important indicator of a country’s energy security, and the increase in domestic production has provided a boost to India’s energy security. Moreover, this surge in production is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, particularly in terms of job creation, as the mining and allied industries are major employers.
The coal ministry has set a target of producing 1.31 billion tonnes of coal by the year 2024-25, with an expected increase to 1.5 billion tonnes by 2029-30. To achieve this goal, the ministry has been actively collaborating with state governments and central agencies to establish new coal mines and increase production in existing mines.
As a result of these efforts, there has been a notable increase in production from both captive and commercial coal mines during the April-January period of the current fiscal year (2022-23). The production has reached 93.22 million tonnes, displaying a growth rate of more than 30 percent from the 71.31 million tonnes produced during the corresponding period in the previous year.
The ministry’s proactive engagement with various state and central government agencies has been instrumental in promoting coal production in the country. This has been made possible through the identification of new coal reserves and the exploration of existing mines. The growth in coal production is expected to continue, thanks to the implementation of various measures to enhance coal mining, including the use of modern technology and better mining practices.
The increase in coal production is significant as it would help to reduce the country’s dependence on imported coal, thereby improving energy security. Additionally, the growth in coal mining activities is expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute positively to the country’s economy.
The ministry’s target of producing 1.31 billion tonnes of coal by 2024-25 is ambitious, but it is achievable, given the efforts being made towards enhancing production. The increased coal production is expected to meet the growing demand for coal in various sectors, particularly the power sector, which relies heavily on coal as a source of energy.
In conclusion, the coal ministry’s efforts towards promoting coal production in the country are yielding positive results, with significant growth recorded in coal production during the current fiscal year. The increase in coal production is expected to continue, with the implementation of various measures to enhance coal mining activities. This will help to reduce the country’s dependence on imported coal and generate employment opportunities while contributing positively to the economy.
