Govt allows coal mines to increase output by 40%

The Environment Ministry has allowed coal mines with clearances to increase output by 40%. The decision has been taken without seeking feedback from locals. The decision was taken after a request from the Coal Ministry which pointed to “huge pressure on domestic coal supply in the country. Demand for coal has risen due to post-pandemic economic recovery and an unrelenting heatwave. The government is forcing utilities to step up imports and Coal India to ramp up production to address supply shortages. India is also planning to reopen more than 100 coal mines previously considered financially unsustainable, as the worst power crisis in over six years driven by scorching heatwave forces the world’s third-biggest greenhouse gas emitter to double down on the fuel after months of low consumption.