PM approves formation of GoM to sort out environment issues affecting coal production

• PM has approved formation of a ministerial panel, headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, to sort out environmental issues affecting coal production.
• This comes in the backdrop of an ever widening demand-supply gap in coal production which is likely to touch 142 million tonnes next fiscal and classification of 203 coal blocks by the Environment Ministry as "no-go" zones.
• The panel has been asked to finalise its recommendations within two months.
• It will finalise the recommendations which will include issues like efficacy and legality of forest clearance norms, damage to environment due to projects and afforestation steps. It will also suggest whether changes are required in the existing laws and provisions.
• Concerned over coal shortages faced by various sectors including Power, the Prime Minister has already asked the Ministry of Environment and Forests to revisit the policy of no-go and go areas.