Source: Mint
Context:
Arunachal Pradesh has launched its first-ever commercial coal mining operation at the Namchik-Namphuk coal block in Changlang district, marking a major step toward harnessing the state’s natural resources and supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) energy strategy.
About Namchik-Namphuk Coal Block
- Location: Changlang district, southeastern Arunachal Pradesh, within the Upper Assam coal belt.
- Reserves: Estimated 1.5 crore tonnes of coal reserves, enabling long-term production.
- Significance:
- Will create local employment and help curb illegal coal extraction in the region.
- Developed under the eco-sensitive initiative “Mission Green Coal Regions”, focusing on land reclamation and afforestation post-mining.
- Aligned with the PM EAST Vision — Empower, Act, Strengthen, Transform — to promote inclusive and balanced development in the Northeast region.
About Commercial Coal Mining in India
- Definition: Commercial coal mining allows private companies to extract and sell coal in the open market, ending Coal India Ltd.’s monopoly.
- Origin:
- Introduced under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.
- Operationalised in 2020 as part of the AatmaNirbhar Bharat reforms.
- Objective:
- Enhance competition and efficiency in coal production.
- Strengthen energy security and self-reliance.
- Attract private investment and create jobs in the mining sector.
