Coal mines to expand 50% without environment impact assessment

The Environment Ministry has relaxed mandatory compliance standards for coal mine expansion projects due to increased demand for coal during an ongoing power crisis.

This initiative has been criticized by environmentalists, especially after the Coal Ministry said there is no shortage of coal in India.

Under the revised standards, coal mines with an environmental permit (EC) to expand by 40% can now grow to 50% without any environmental impact assessment or public consultation.

In an office memorandum (OM), the environment ministry said the change was made after the coal ministry issued a warning about pressure on domestic coal supplies.