Coal to replace firewood: Shyam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 26 2018: In view of the adverse impacts caused by wanton deforestation to the environment, the State Government has taken up a new initiative of replacing firewood with coal in all industrial units including brick firms which use firewood.

This was stated by CAF&PD Minister Karam Shyam while inspecting a site at Waiton.

Imphal East district selected for storing coal temporarily.

Karam Shyam said that the new initiative is a joint effort of Industries Department and CAF&PD Department.

He said that the new initiative is aimed at reducing deforestation activities, save environment and enhance the State's revenue.

A proposal to replace firewood with coal at all industrial units which use firewood has been sent to the Industries Department and the C AF&PD Department has started shipping coal as a State nominated agency, Shyam said.

Coal India Limited has already allotted 7 lakh tonnes of coal to the State which should be purchased from three companies.

As per the new Coal Distribution Policy, coal for industrial units which use up to 4200 metric tonnes of coal in a year should be shipped by a State nominated agency.

As a State nominated agency, CAF&PD Department has started shipping coal and it would get margin money of 5 per cent of the cost of coal, Shyam said.

The way coal is brought into the State by private individuals/firms is illegal and they do not pay any form of tax to the State including GST.

The Government would look into the matter, said the CAF&PD Minister.

The Government would ensure that coal demands are met and those who need coal may apply for the same through officials concerned, he said.

It is said that the price of coal is Rs 5.40 per Kg for grade I while it is Rs 4.60, Rs 4.50; Rs 4.30 and Rs 3.90 per Kg for grade II, III, IV and V respectively.

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