Sridhar Babu Rejects KTR’s Allegations over Singareni
Over the past ten years, an average of approximately four million tonnes of G-9 coal was supplied annually to thermal power plants that had fuel supply agreements
Hyderabad: IT and Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu dismissed the allegations made by BRS working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) and other leaders regarding Singareni.
Currently, G-9 grade coal is being produced from nine mines in Singareni. Over the past ten years, an average of approximately four million tonnes of G-9 coal was supplied annually to thermal power plants that had fuel supply agreements.
So far this year, Singareni has supplied more than 25 million tonnes of coal to thermal power plants in Telangana as well as other states. Of this, only 1.20 million tonnes (12 lakh tonnes) was G-9 grade coal. Of that, 0.52 million tonnes was supplied to Telangana GENCO power plants alone, he said, addressing a press conference here on Thursday.
The Fuel Supply Agreement to supply 14 million tonnes of G-9 coal annually to the Yadadri Thermal Power Plant was made during BRS regime. That agreement was made by taking into consideration the increased production expected from new mines that Singareni would undertake in the future.
Then why did those new mines not come up? Since Singareni did not participate in the coal block auctions conducted by the Central government, the crucial Koyagudem-3 and Sattupalli-3 blocks were not secured by the company.
As a result, Singareni lost the opportunity to produce nearly 10 million tonnes of quality coal annually. “We obtained approvals for the Naini coal mine and commenced production within just two years. During your tenure, you did not even look towards Naini,” he said.
“We obtained mining approvals for Tadicherla Block-2, which was sanctioned by our UPA government in 2013. Through an auction, we secured the Manuguru PK OC-2 Dip Side Block for Singareni. With these, Singareni's production capacity will increase in the coming days,” the Minister explained.
In Singareni, which has 137 years of extensive mining experience, a technology-based, multi-layered system is in place to monitor every stage, from coal production and loading to transportation, weighing and final distribution.
“If you have evidence, bring it out. Otherwise, stop tarnishing the integrity of Singareni's workers and officials,” he added.
The site visit certificate was introduced only for the benefit of Singareni. It was not intended for the benefit of any individual. Contractors undertaking work must have a complete understanding of the work they are going to carry out in advance.
After winning the tender, the work should proceed without any obstacles. This is the purpose of this condition. The people's government is working towards a single objective. “We are securing new coal mines for Singareni. We will continue to work towards securing more mines in the future. Along with coal production, we are taking steps to expand Singareni into critical minerals, thermal power and solar energy sectors,” the Minister said.
