Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Airs Concerns Over Coal Mines Auction
By : Sandeep Erukala
Update: 2024-06-20 11:00 GMT
Hyderabad: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka expressed concerns on Thursday about the central government's decision to auction coal mines in the state. In a press meet held in Khammam, he stated that the actions of the BRS and the BJP-led central government are detrimental to the interests of the state's people. Telangana's Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), which employs around 42,000 direct employees and 26,000 outsourced workers, is particularly affected.
Bhatti highlighted that coal is currently extracted from 40 mines in Telangana, but 22 of these mines are nearing depletion and will close by 2032-2033. Presently, SCCL extracts 70 million tonnes of coal annually, but this is projected to drop to 17.28 million tonnes. He stressed the necessity for SCCL to acquire new coal mines to sustain operations beyond 2032,otherwise, SCCL could become defunct.
He criticized the amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, introduced by the Modi government, which mandates the auctioning of coal mines for lease. Bhatti accused BRS MPs of supporting the bill and now contradicting themselves by expressing concerns over SCCL's future. He questioned why BRS leaders had not participated in auctions over the past decade and called for all coal blocks under SCCL to be directly allocated to the company, bypassing auctions.
The Deputy Chief Minister announced plans to discuss these issues with Union Coal Mines Minister Kishan Reddy. He also proposed an all-party appeal to the Prime Minister if necessary, to secure the allocation of coal mines directly to SCCL.
He also pointed out the irony of the then TRS (now BRS) government, which supported the 2015 amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act, now opposing the auction process. He accused the previous K Chandrashekhar Rao led TRS (now BRS) government of arranging the allocation of Koyagudem, Satthupalli blocks to organizations close to them while neglecting SCCL's participation in auctions.
He stated that there is a need to protect SCCL, its properties, and the future of its mines. He assured that efforts are ongoing, including meetings with past and present Coal Ministers, and expressed readiness to seek an appointment with the Prime Minister if needed.