Uttar Pradesh to import coal for power

The government of Uttar Pradesh started the process of issuing a formal injunction to import coal from abroad - in a move that was full of prospects for an increase in the electricity tariff in the near future.

A top official at UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) confirmed that the government has approved the purchase of coal from foreign shores in the event of a coal crisis, especially in August, when monsoon rains lead to flooding of coal mines in India.

The state government's move follows the Center's approval to import coal to meet the requirement. In May, the Center had asked states to immediately start importing coal to meet power needs and to transport coal by road, as this can lead to shortages in the states during monsoons.