BJD urges CM Majhi to raise coal royalty issue with PM Modi

19 Sep 2024 CW Team

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has urged Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to address the issue of coal royalty revision with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Odisha on Tuesday. BJD MP Sasmit Patra stated at a press conference that the central government has not revised the coal royalty for the past 12 years, resulting in an annual loss of Rs 100 billion for the state.

"Instead of succumbing to the pressure of the BJP, the chief minister should muster courage and take up the state's important issues with the PM, including the revision of coal royalty," Patra emphasised.

The BJD demanded that the Chief Minister write to the central government for an immediate revision of the coal royalty and also directly discuss the matter with the Prime Minister. PM Modi is visiting Odisha to launch the state's women's welfare scheme 'Subhadra Yojana' and to unveil several infrastructure projects.

In anticipation of the visit, senior Congress leader Srikant Jena also wrote to the Prime Minister, urging him to withdraw a review petition filed by the Centre in the Supreme Court regarding the state's authority to levy cess and taxes on mineral-bearing lands and minerals. Jena described the review petition as "backstabbing the interest of Odisha" and beneficial only to a few industrial houses and mine operators. He called for its withdrawal in the state's larger interest.

"The rulings of the Supreme Court allow states to levy taxes and cess on mineral-bearing lands and minerals. Odisha is the leading mineral producer in the country, accounting for nearly half of India's total mineral production," Jena stated in his letter.

The BJD also brought up the issue of establishing a bench of the high court in the state's western region. (ET)

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Recycling Leaders Push for Policy Reforms in India

As India prepares for the largest recycling-focused event in its history, industry leaders are making a strong case for policy reforms to unlock the country’s circular economy potential. Ahead of the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, co-located with Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, a high-level panel discussion in Mumbai spotlighted the urgent need for regulatory clarity, digital innovation, and integration of the informal sector.Held under the theme “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling”, the panel brought together prominent voices from across the recy..

Environmental Hearing Set for 1000 MW Naying Hydro Project

The environmental public hearing for the 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project will take place on November 12 at Yapik community hall in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The run-of-the-river project on the Siyom (Yomgo) river is being developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). Construction, including a concrete dam, underground powerhouse, and tunnel, is expected to commence around 2028, with commissioning planned by 2032. The project aims to generate approximately 4,966.77 GWh of electricity. The Naying project received Central Electricity ..

India Achieves 490 MWh Energy Storage Capacity by June 2025

India’s cumulative energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by June 2025, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Of this, more than 85 per cent is associated with renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, reflecting the country’s accelerated shift towards grid stability and clean energy integration. The CEA report highlights that 16 energy storage systems are currently operational across 10 states, with major installations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These include both standalone and co-located battery systems deployed by le..