<p>Ramesh left it to the Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Pranab Mukherjee to decide whether it will be prudent to allow mining which destroys a substantial patch of forest.<br />By Essar’s own admission, Mahan coal-block will meet the requirements of two 600 MW units for 14 years only. There is no coal linkage for the balance life, which could extend for another 10-15 years at least. “I am not entirely clear why such a good quality forest area should be broken up for such a partial requirement,” Ramesh said.<br /><br />The Forest Advisory Committee considered the proposal four times but did not grant clearance. In fact, a FAC sub-committee visited the Singrauli coal field housing Mahan only to discover that the forest quality was superior to what Essar, Hindalco and the state government had claimed. <br /><br />Ramesh said he could still approve the Mahan coal block if the Prime Minister desired so, but he would plead to have an alternative coal block.</p>
<p>Ramesh left it to the Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Pranab Mukherjee to decide whether it will be prudent to allow mining which destroys a substantial patch of forest.<br />By Essar’s own admission, Mahan coal-block will meet the requirements of two 600 MW units for 14 years only. There is no coal linkage for the balance life, which could extend for another 10-15 years at least. “I am not entirely clear why such a good quality forest area should be broken up for such a partial requirement,” Ramesh said.<br /><br />The Forest Advisory Committee considered the proposal four times but did not grant clearance. In fact, a FAC sub-committee visited the Singrauli coal field housing Mahan only to discover that the forest quality was superior to what Essar, Hindalco and the state government had claimed. <br /><br />Ramesh said he could still approve the Mahan coal block if the Prime Minister desired so, but he would plead to have an alternative coal block.</p>
