MoEF may take up Hindalco's coal project for clearance next week.

The Environment Ministry may meet next week to take up the issue of granting clearance for diversion of forest land pertaining to Hindalco's coal mining project in Odisha.

The Forest Advisory Committee ( FAC) meeting proposed to be convened next week may discuss the 'proposal for diversion of 4.16 Ha (Hectares), including safety zone, of forest land in Talabira-1 coal mine within the mining lease area of 170.305 Ha by Hindalco Industries Ltd., under Sambalpur (S) forest division,' according to an official document.

The coal mine in the IB Valley coalfields of Odisha having geological reserves of 22.55 million tonnes (MT) was allocated to Hindalco Industries in February 1994.

In December last year, the Coal Ministry had issued show cause notice to Hindalco Industries seeking explanation for delays in commencing production from its two other mines Talabira II and III in Odisha.

ET