Tamil Nadu CM urges exclusion of Cauvery Delta from coal mine auction
COAL & MINING

Tamil Nadu CM urges exclusion of Cauvery Delta from coal mine auction

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting that three coal blocks in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta area be excluded from the Centre government's recent coal bidding process. The affected coal blocks are located east of Sethiathope, Michaelpatti, and Vadaseri.

On March 29, the nominated authority under the Ministry of Coal invited the 17th/7th tranche of auction for coal and lignite under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2005, and the Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Three of the 101 blocks up for auction across the country are in Tamil Nadu.

"Neither the concurrence of the Government of Tamil Nadu nor consultation with the State Government was obtained prior to the tender's flotation." "It is unfortunate that the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has proceeded unilaterally in such a sensitive matter without consulting the states," Stalin wrote in his letter.

"Given the fact that valuable agricultural lands are involved and Tamil Nadu's food security is at stake, it would be appropriate if the three mining blocks in Tamil Nadu - Vadaseri, Michaelpatti, and East of Sethiathoppe - proposed for auction in the 7th/17th Tranche of Auction, are excluded from the auction process by the issue of a necessary corrigendum," he added.

Michaelpatti is located in the Ariyalur district's Udayarpalayam Taluk, east of Sethiathope in the Cuddalore district's Bhuvanagiri Taluk, and Vadaseri in the Thanjavur district's Orathanadu Taluk. The Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act of Tamil Nadu, 2020 includes Vadaseri and East of Sethiathope, while the Michaelpatti Block is in a major paddy growing area adjacent to a very fertile part of the Cauvery Delta.

He stated that Section 4(1) of the Act states that "no one shall undertake any new project or new activity specified in the Second Schedule in the protected agricultural zone." The Second Schedule prohibits "exploration, drilling, and extraction of oil and natural gas, including coal-bed methane, shale gas, and other similar hydrocarbons."

Also Read
Berger’s contribution for longer durability of Indian Railway coaches
Ministry of Mines announces record number of mineral blocks auctions

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting that three coal blocks in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta area be excluded from the Centre government's recent coal bidding process. The affected coal blocks are located east of Sethiathope, Michaelpatti, and Vadaseri. On March 29, the nominated authority under the Ministry of Coal invited the 17th/7th tranche of auction for coal and lignite under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2005, and the Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Three of the 101 blocks up for auction across the country are in Tamil Nadu. Neither the concurrence of the Government of Tamil Nadu nor consultation with the State Government was obtained prior to the tender's flotation. It is unfortunate that the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has proceeded unilaterally in such a sensitive matter without consulting the states, Stalin wrote in his letter. Given the fact that valuable agricultural lands are involved and Tamil Nadu's food security is at stake, it would be appropriate if the three mining blocks in Tamil Nadu - Vadaseri, Michaelpatti, and East of Sethiathoppe - proposed for auction in the 7th/17th Tranche of Auction, are excluded from the auction process by the issue of a necessary corrigendum, he added. Michaelpatti is located in the Ariyalur district's Udayarpalayam Taluk, east of Sethiathope in the Cuddalore district's Bhuvanagiri Taluk, and Vadaseri in the Thanjavur district's Orathanadu Taluk. The Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act of Tamil Nadu, 2020 includes Vadaseri and East of Sethiathope, while the Michaelpatti Block is in a major paddy growing area adjacent to a very fertile part of the Cauvery Delta. He stated that Section 4(1) of the Act states that no one shall undertake any new project or new activity specified in the Second Schedule in the protected agricultural zone. The Second Schedule prohibits exploration, drilling, and extraction of oil and natural gas, including coal-bed methane, shale gas, and other similar hydrocarbons. Also Read Berger’s contribution for longer durability of Indian Railway coaches Ministry of Mines announces record number of mineral blocks auctions

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?