No Coal Shortage: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy's Assurance

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy assures that there is no coal shortage in India and asserts that the Centre will maintain an adequate supply for the power sector. The government has ramped up coal productivity and addressed technical issues to ensure stable supply, especially during peak demand periods.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has confirmed that there is no shortage of coal for the power sector in India. Addressing recent concerns, Reddy stated that the Centre will guarantee a sufficient supply of the dry fuel to meet the escalating demand.

Reddy added that long-term demand will be sustained by enhancing the productivity of Coal India and through commercial mines. 'We are supplying coal to all thermal power plants and have advised those using imported coal to switch to domestic sources,' the Minister for Coal and Mines informed PTI.

During a recent review, the Coal Ministry highlighted the ongoing production efforts, with 54 captive and commercial coal mines currently operational and an additional 11 expected to commence by FY'25. The ministry's initiatives aim to boost coal output, with a target of at least 175 million tonnes of production this year.

(With inputs from agencies.)