Notices to NTPC and 5 cos for delays in developing blocks

The notices, which have been issued by the Coal Ministry, have asked the companies to explain reasons behind delays within 30 days of the show-cause, failing which actions like de-allocation of the blocks could be initiated.

In six separate notices to NTPC, Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation, AP Power Generation Corporation, Bhatia International, Pushp Steel and SKS Ispat, Ministry said the companies have failed to fulfil their commitments and thus are "non serious about timely development of the block."

The companies, however, could not be contacted for their comments on the development.
While National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) was served notice for delay in development of Chhati Bariatu (South) coal block in Jharkhand, allotted to it in 2007, Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation was given notice for failure to develop Jogeswar and Khas Jogeswar coal blocks.

Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited was served notice for failing to develop Ansettipali, Punukula Chilka and Pengedappa coal blocks, alloted to it in 2007.
Meanwhile Pushp Steel and Mining was issued notice for Brahampuri coal block in Madhya Pradesh, SKS Ispat and Power for Rawanwara North coal block in Madhya Pradesh and Bhatia International Limited for Warora West (North) coal block in Maharashtra, the Ministry said.

The notices are part of the government's drive to weed out non-serious players from the field and the Ministry has so far served notices to over 50 firms for delays in developing blocks in about two months.

The Ministry in September had said it was in the process of issuing show cause notices to 81 such players, who were allocated captive blocks but failed to adhere to the norms of allocation