Anil Swarup, Secretary Coal assumed charge, when Supreme Court in September 2014 had quashed allocation of 214 coal blocks and ordered auction of coal mines. It was challenge. Speaking to M Rajendran, he introspects the last 24 months in this post. Excerpts:
What are the challenges before the coal sector?
Two years ago the challenge was to provide sustained supply of coal to power plants. Most of the power plants were super critical for want of coal. This situation has changed today. There is no shortage coal. However we will continue to work to maintain this—to sustain the production, improve the quality of coal and focus on environmentally focused coal production.
How far have you achieved these?
The coal production has been sustained with a nine per cent growth. Coal India Ltd uses technology, to prevent pilferage, RFID, GPS tracking and video tracking of mining. About 15 new coal washeries have been proposed. Coal India has put in a regime for determining the quality of coal through a third party sampling of coal. The payments are being made on the sample results of third party and not on what the CIL claims.
What is in store for coal sector in 2017?
It will continue to strive for increase in coal production. Quality concerns and slippages will be a thing of past. I am hopeful by 2017-18 all the 15 washeries will be in place. When that happens there will be a visible change in the coal mining’s impact on environment. Also to ensure that for every hectare of land that is mined about 2.4 hectare of land is forested. CIL is mapping land through satellite, the places where is mining is taking place. This will be closely monitored.
Has the sustained growth in production reduced our dependence on imported coal?
Imports (of coal) are gradually coming down. All state public sector units that generate power have committed, that during 2017-18, they will not import any coal for the purpose of generating power. By 2016 end, the imports will come down by another 15 million tones.
How do you see your tenure of last two years?
I have enjoyed every bit of it. This was most challenging assignment of my career, but also the most enjoyable one. It was possible because, God has been kind to me and I am blessed with an amazing team of officer, knowledgeable, committed; they are just out of this world. They can go to any distance to do their job.
What is your message to young officers?
Never give up or give in. We in the service are blessed to serve the poorest of the poor. There will be occasions, where one may feel disappointed—look at the positive and make the best out of it.