-Power seeks Jaiswal's help on coal issues-III: Cals for MoC's support on JIPL, NTPC collaboration in Kerandari area

Reliance Power has also requested Jaiswal to direct the Coal Secretary, C Balakrishnan, to recommend that NTPC work with Jharkhand Integrated Power Limited (JIPL), so that loss of coal reserves is kept at a minimum in the Kerandari area of Jharkhand. 

• JIPL, which is developing the Kerandari B and C coal blocks to fuel its Tilaiya UMPP, proposes to work these blocks in partnership with NTPC, which has been allotted the Kerandari A and Pakri-Barwadih blocks. JIPL feels that the two companies can avoid the barrier and batter coal loss by mining these sets of blocks, which share a common boundary, together.  
• The proposal, if implemented, can save about 200 million tonnes of coal reserves for the country, which otherwise will go to waste since statutory requirements call for a 15 meter buffer between mining lease areas of different companies.
• Additionally, as per coal ministry requirements, in order to maintain stability of coal mining pits, the slopes are designed at an angle that is determined by the depth of the mine. Coal under these slopes cannot be mined, resulting in batter losses. 8Importantly, the Standing Committee of the coal ministry for approval of mining plans has also recommended JIPL`s proposal.