NTPC takes refuge with MoP after threat of coal block deallocation

Concerned over the recent warnings from the Ministry of Coal (MoC), which has threatened to take back NTPC's captive coal blocks, on account of their sluggish pace of development, the power utiity has now approached the Ministry of Power (MoP), seeking its intervention to preclude such an eventuality.

• In a recent communiqué to the MoP, NTPC has claimed to have taken all the steps necessary to make its captive blocks operational as per schedule, including completion of all site specific studies, land acquisition, and applying for clearances, etc. 
• The power utility has, further, claimed that all the delays observed at the coal blocks in question were due to hurdles created by the union government in the form of pending clearances and statutory approvals, things outside of its control. In addition, NTPC claims to have kept the MoC of abreast all relevant developments. 
• NTPC has appealed for the MoP to use its influence with the MoC, to ensure that none of its captive blocks are de-allocated, as such a move will adversely affect the government's aspirations to supply power to all.
• Significantly, in a recent review meeting, the MoC had lambasted NTPC for purportedly not being serious towards development of the Pakri-Barwadih, Chatti-Bariatu, Kerandari, Talaipalli, Dulunga, Brahmini and Chichro Patsimal coal blocks, allocated to the central generator, and had threatened to take punitive action.