Essar Power gets forest clearance for Mahan coal block

Private sector power company, Essar Power and a subsidiary of London listed Essar Energy plc,  announced that it has, pursuant to Group of Minister’s recommendation, secured Stage 1 forest clearance from the Government of India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for its Mahan coal block.
 
“This stage 1 clearance of Mahan coal block will help expedite supply of fuel to Essar Energy’s nearby 1,200 megawatt Mahan phase I power project, which is due to be commissioned shortly,” a statement released by the company said. The block was allocated in 2006 to Mahan Coal Ltd, a joint venture between Essar Energy and Hindalco.
 
Naresh Nayyar, Chief Executive Officer of Essar Energy, said, "We are pleased to have received approval from the ministry allowing us to accelerate development at the Mahan coal block to provide fuel for our Mahan I power plant and deliver much needed electricity for the people of India. This is a major step forward in our strategy of providing full fuel security for all of our power generation assets, thereby eliminating price and delivery risks. We also intend to set the best standard we can in protecting the rights and livelihoods of nearby villagers, restoring forest cover following mining work and conserving wildlife."

10