More coal blocks de-allocated

The Coal Ministry has de-allocated four coal blocks allotted to five private companies, including Birla Corp, Sunflag Iron & Steel and Dalmia Cement (Bharat) for failure to timely develop the mines, according to information by the Coal Ministry.

"The de-allocated/cancellation of mining lease shall be without any liability to the government or its agencies, whatsoever," the de-allocation letter by the Ministry of Coal said.

"Any expenses incurred by the allocate or any right or liability arising on the allocate out of the measures taken by him shall solely be to his account and in no way be transferred to or borne by the government or its agencies," it said.

The ministry has also de-allocated the Khappa & Extn block in Maharashtra, jointly allocated to Sunflag Iron & Steel and Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd. The Majra coal block allocated to Gondwana Ispat and Warora coal block of Maharahstra given to State Mining Corp have also been de-allocated.

The companies which were allotted 30 coal blocks were issued show cause notices earlier in 2013 asking them to explain the delay in development of blocks and why the same should not be held as violation of terms and conditions of allotment.

The companies were asked to present their cases before the inter-ministerial group on the current status of development of allocated coal blocks.