Ranchi: Union Minister for Coal and Mines Prahlad Joshi on Thursday said that there was no lack of coal for the power plants in the country.
Speaking after chairing a review meeting at the project building with officials of the state government he said that it is being assumed that the power plants have only 10 days stock of coal which was not correct. He said that round the clock production of coal was on.
The Union Minister is on a two-day visit to Jharkhand. In the meeting, discussions were held with the officials as to how the power plants can get coal supply on time. In the meeting, a discussion was also held on the Rajmahal Project. The Minister said that since the health of the mother of the Chief Minister was not good therefore his meeting with him could not take place however he had a meeting with his Secretary.
Prahlad Joshi said that the state government has accepted his views and even he too was working after taking into consideration the suggestions of the state government. He said that the center and state are working in coordination to solve the problems and whatever problems are being faced discussions are held over those matters.
On the issue of coal scarcity in the country, he said that the price of imported coal has increased and there has been an increase in the demand. Moreover, he pointed that the economy of the state and the country has changed as earlier the production was 3.3 billion while has increased to 3.5 billion. The Minister said that 21.22 million tonnes of coal are in the power plants while 72 million was with Coal India and others.