Greater share of clean energy cess for state

Odisha has asked for Pump Storage Projects (PSP) to be subsidised by National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF). The state, home to significant coal mines and washeries, has to face the adverse effects of coal mining such as displacement of people, environment pollution, reduction in forest area and strain on infrastructure resources. Royalty on coal, which would accrue to Odisha, had not been revised in four years. Meanwhile, the Government of India´s Clean Environment Cess, upped from Rs 200 to Rs 400 in the last budget, will bring an estimated Rs 6,400 core to the NCEF.