**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Coal's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2831, concerning the operationalization of the Deucha Pachami coal block in West Bengal. The scheduled operationalization date for the Deucha Pachami coal block is September 27, 2027. As of August 6, 2025, the Ministry of Coal states that there is no delay in the project. The Ministry confirms that it is providing assistance and guidelines to the Government of West Bengal to expedite the project, including regular monitoring meetings with stakeholders and the engagement of a Project Management Unit (PMU) to guide the project proponent. The Ministry estimates that full operationalization of the coal block could generate approximately 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and stimulate regional economic growth. The Deucha Pachami coal block has been allocated to the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL) for development and utilization of coal in its captive power plants to meet the energy demands of West Bengal. The Ministry of Coal, under the leadership of Minister G. Kishan Reddy, is monitoring progress and providing support to ensure timely development.
Key Entities Referenced
West Bengal: A state in India where the Deucha Pachami coal block is located.
Deucha Pachami Coal Block: A coal block located in West Bengal, India. Its operationalization is the subject of the question.
Ministry of Coal: The Indian government ministry responsible for coal-related matters.
Shri Jagannath Sarkar: The Member of Parliament who asked the question regarding the coal block.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy: The Minister of Coal and Mines who provided the answer to the parliamentary question.
WBPDCL: West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited, the allottee of the Deucha Pachami Coal Block.
Project Management Unit: An entity engaged by the Ministry of Coal to assist coal block allottees for the timely development of coal blocks.
Deocha Pachami Coal Block: Same as Deucha Pachami Coal Block. Spelling variation in document.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COAL
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2831
TO BE ANSWERED ON 06.08.2025
Operationalisation of Coal Block in West Bengal
2831. Shri Jagannath Sarkar:
Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state:
(a)whether the delay in operationalising the Deucha Pachami coal block by the
Government of West Bengal has impacted the State’s energy and economic growth
and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the reasons for the non-operationalisation of the Deucha Pachami coal block
despite its significant potential for addressing the Country’s coal requirements;
(c) whether the Government has provided any assistance or guidelines to the
State Government to expedite the project and if so, the details thereof;
(d) the estimated economic and employment benefits that could be realized from
the operationalisation of the Deucha Pachami coal block; and
(e) the measures being considered by the Union Government to ensure timely
utilisation of this national asset including potential involvement of Central PSUs or
private stakeholders?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b) The Scheduled date for operationalization of Deocha Pachami Coal Block
located in West Bengal is 27.09.2027. There is no delay as of now in the
operationalization of the block.
(c) Yes, Sir. For development of coal blocks as per schedule, progress is being
monitored on regular basis through meetings in the presence of all stakeholders.
Further, to assist the coal blocks allocattees for timely development of coal blocks a
Project Management Unit has also been engaged by the Ministry.
(d) The Coal block, once fully operationalized has the potential to generate direct and
indirect employment for around 1 lakh people and to economically transform not just
the district or the adjoining areas but also the entire region through an economic
multiplier effect.
(e) The coal block has been allocated to WBPDCL by the Ministry of Coal, for
development as per schedule and for utilization of coal in its captive power plants to
meet the growing energy demands of the state of West Bengal. For development of
coal blocks as per schedule, progress is being monitored on regular basis through
meetings in presence of all stakeholders. Further, to assist coal blocks allocattees a
Project Management Unit has also been engaged by the Ministry which guides the
project proponent at every stage.
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