UP's 973-mt coal block remains idle 11 years after allocation

The Saharpur Jamarpani coal block in Uttar Pradesh, allocated over a decade ago, continues to remain non-operational despite the state's resource requirements. The 973-million-tonne reserve was granted to the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) to support the state's power generation capacity, but development work has stalled.

The Coal Ministry has now escalated its push for the project's advancement, expressing concern over the lack of tangible progress towards mine operationalisation. The delay raises questions about resource utilisation and the state's ability to meet its energy needs through domestic coal production.

UPRVUNL has faced significant hurdles in translating the coal block allocation into operational capacity. The stalled development represents a missed opportunity for reducing dependence on coal imports and strengthening energy security in one of India's most populous states.

The ministry's intervention signals mounting pressure on the state utility to overcome obstacles and commence mining operations. Experts note that such delays impact power sector planning and investment decisions across the region, underscoring the need for expedited execution of allocated coal blocks.