Rajasthan CM complains to Sonia Gandhi about Chhattisgarh govt & coal crisis

coal crisis in country has sparked several problems including a power tussle between two states. Rajasthan entered a new phase of a power struggle as former has begun to face major coal shorts. Following this, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has w written to Congress President Sonia Gandhi demanding faster action in Chhattisgarh's power projects and coal production.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has w turned to party leadership demanding speeding up state-level mining clearances for starting production of coal from blocks in Chattisgarh. Rajasthan CM went to Sonia Gandhi after or Congress-led state took decision regarding allotment to its power projects which was bound to help Rajasthan's power crisis.

In a letter to party president sent last week, Gehlot ted that delay in mining clearances for Parsa coal block from Chattisgarh government was causing a power problem for state. He ted that delay could leave 4,340-megawatt generation capacity in Rajasthan stranded as mineable reserves of two mines are expected to be exhausted soon. According to calculations, two mines that are fuelling Rajasthan’s power plants since 2013, may get exhausted by end of this month.

literal power struggle between two Congress-ruled states started earlier this month after Rajasthan suffered widespread blackouts due to fuel shorts at its power stations. state which has been facing power problems in recent months, also kcked at Centre's doors complaining about Chhattisgarh government for t starting two coal blocks.

It had said that delay in its plans was causing problems as state was looking to raise production from two mines. state had contacted coal ministry demanding intervention in matter.

Union Coal Secy assures Rajasthan of ample coal supply

Earlier last month, Union Coal Secretary Anil Jain had assured that Centre would ensure re was short of coal for rmal power plants of Rajasthan. He had said that arrangements would be made to bring a maximum number of coal rakes to state from or states, by rail and road.

Jain, who was speaking at a high-level meeting of concerned departments and institutions with Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) at Vidyut Bhawan Subodh Agrawal, had promised eugh power to Rajasthan. He had also ted that emphasis lies on local mines to increase ir demand as coal in international market have high cost.

Im: PTI/ UNSPLASH