State seeks another coal block allocation from Centre

The state government on Friday requested the Centre to allocate it another coal block following the closure of its coal mine at Baranj, Maharashtra.

In a presentation to P K Pujari, Secretary, Ministry of Power, G Kumar Naik, managing director, Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd, said the Baranj coal mine had become non-operational and the case was pending before the Supreme Court.

He requested another coal block allocation for Karnataka as that will make coal acquisition easier and cheaper besides helping in thermal power generation.

The state government also sought help from the Central government for restarting the coal mine at Baranj to supply coal for the first and second units of the Bellary Thermal Power Station.

It detailed a plan to build a 1,000 MW Pumped Storage Plant at Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric Power Plant, Jog Falls, and requested for grant-in-aid or 30% equity. KPCL has sought the renewable energy status for pumped storage generation and support from the Power System Development Fund (PSDF). KPCL officials said thermal power generation of 2,300 MW has been commissioned in Karnataka, and another 2,300 MW is pending for allotment of coal.

At the meeting, which was attended by P Ravikumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Jawaid Akhtar, Managing Director of Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), and other officials in the Energy Department, Pujari sought details of various power projects in the state.

He reviewed the progress of developmental schemes of the state and the Centre in generation, distribution and transmission sectors. The focus of the discussion was on achieving 100% rural electrification.

On Saturday, Pujari will meet KPTCL officials on transmission lines and other subjects.