What is common between Gopalprasad OCP and Talabira OCP? Both are open cast coal mining projects being implemented by Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. And even more importantly both the projects were scheduled for commissioning in 2011but project work is still going on. Indeed both the projects are being delayed for different reasons. In case of Gopalprasad OCP the main reasons for the delay, as pointed out by MCL, include problems in land acquisition, implementing R&R plans, getting forest diversions and eliciting EC clearances, among others. On the other hand, Talabira OCP has been delayed on account of strident opposition to the project from local villagers, who have obstructed work and delayed the obtaining of clearances.
MCL now hopes to finalise tenders by the end of this year for Gopalprasad OCP and by March 2015 for Talabira project. If everything goes as per revised plan coal production at Gopalprasad OCP may start in 2017. For Talabira OCP wait may be even longer.
