In what could be music to the ears of the Chandrababu Naidu government, a study has concluded that the Chintalapudi area in the Godavari valley contains more than 3,000 million tonnes of coal reserves. If harnessed effectively, it can turn Andhra Pradesh into a major player in the power and allied sectors. An upbeat TDP government is now getting ready to seek clearance from the Union coal ministry to start mining as early as possible.
The study, conducted by geologist Omprakash S Sarate of the Lucknow-based Birbal Sahni Institute of Paleobotany, was published in the Journal of the Paleontological Society of India in December 2013. The study team, after touring Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari districts, found that high quality coal reserves are available from Somavaram in Krishna district to Rajamundry in East Godavari district within 500 meters of depth.
“We became aware of the study last month and wrote to the Union coal ministry two weeks ago seeking immediate clearance for mining in the Chintalapudi area,” AP government sources told TOI.
The government is, as expected, overjoyed as coal plays a vital role in the economic development of any region. It not only provides a cheap source of electricity production, but also creates employment opportunity for thousands of people. It also plays an essential role in the chemical, cement, fertilizer, ceramic and steel industries.
The coal demand in Andhra Pradesh is expected to increase several fold within the next five to 10 years due to the ongoing and proposed coal-based power projects. At present, the industries dependent on coal buy the supply from Singareni Collieries at a premium rate. Once the Chintalapudi mines are harnessed, the increased availability of coal will reduce the prices and trigger economic development, feel AP officials.
The study had compared the quality of coal at Chintalapudi with that of Ramagundam and Talcher, saying that the Godavari valley region’s “coal grade and its calorific value is higher than what is available in the Singareni mines.”
The study had also found that the reserves extend to Krishna, West Godavari and East Godavari districts with most of the quality coal concentrated between Aswaraopet, Chinthalapudi and Jangareddy Gudem. While Aswaraopet is located in Khammam district of Telangana, Chinthalapudi and Jangareddy Gudem fall in West Godavari district. The Chatrai mandal in Krishna district and Rajahmundry in East Goadavari were also identified as having massive coal reserves.
“We have brought this to the notice of the Union coal ministry and want the assistance of the Geological Survey of India to figure out the exact locations to carry out explorations. After getting the nod from the Centre, we would take up exploration by acquiring land in these villages,” said a senior official overseeing the matter.
According to sources, AP chief minister Chandrababu Naidu has asked the mining department to prepare a clear roadmap to take up the exploration as early as possible. With more than 3,000 million tonnes of coal reserves within its reach, the AP government is confident that its economic development will take place at a pace faster than anticipated earlier.
We have brought this to the notice of the Union coal ministry and want the assistance of the Geological Survey of India to figure out the exact locations to carry out explorations. After getting the nod from the Centre, we would take up exploration by acquiring land in these villages: Senior official.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> India / TNN / October 10th, 2014