While addressing a function to mark the foundation stone-laying of four projects of Coal India-arm Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL), Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi requested the state-run miner and its subsidiaries to boost production to achieve the set targets in coal production. On Tuesday, the Coal Ministry told the media that it might approach the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), asking for relaxation in specific rules so that the overall production of fossil fuel can be enhanced. Pralhad Joshi told the media that the Coal Ministry is likely to approach the environment ministry for relaxation in measures so that overall coal production can be enhanced. Joshi additionally pointed out that with a steep increase in international costs, domestic demand for coal has increased considerably. The Minister emphasised that sustained supply of coal to the power sector is of paramount significance. He requested Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Coal Ministry officials to deliberate upon immediate steps needed to improve coal production. The Minister requested Coal India to achieve 35 First Mile Connectivity projects according to the set deadlines. Joshi praised NCL for exceeding the coal production aim. Minister of State for Coal, mines and railways Raosaheb Patil Danve, told the media that NCL can play a vital role in achieving production targets of one billion ton coal by 2025. While improving production, environmental concerns need to be addressed. The pro-people initiative is equally critical, the Minister told the media. Coal secretary Anil Kumar Jain told the media that the investments need to be used efficiently within the specified time to give more momentum to mechanised transportation of coal. Indian Railways will be requested to improve rake availability according to the requirement. Image Source Also read: India expects private coal mines to produce 350-400 mt coal by 2030