Coal sector development: 10% shortage in supplies to power sector

The power sector has witnessed a cumulative 10% drop in coal supplies during the fiscal year 2010-11, with an actual receipt of 303 million tonnes from Coal India Limited (CIL), as against the estimated target of 335 million tonnes. Further, actual coal production also fell 6% short of the target of 458.

• 6 million tonnes, implying a shortfall of 29.17 million tonnes.
• Likewise, off-take registered a deficit of 8%, at 424.23 million tonnes during the last fiscal, as compared to the target of 460.50 million tonnes. The shortfall, of about 36 million tonnes, can be attributed partially to the mismatch in rakes supply by the railways and MGR movement by NTPC, particularly on the Rajmahal-Farakka route. 
• In view of the production constraints arising out of delays in obtaining environmental and forest clearances, land acquisition, and related rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) issues, CIL, for the year 2011-12, has reviewed the target of production to 447 million tonnes, as against the initially envisaged target of 520 million tonnes