Hyderabad: The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), which has been supplying coal uninterruptedly to several southern states for decades, recorded a coal stock of 26 lakh tonnes in various mines and coal handling plants (CHP) as of June 4. This is the lowest stock level in the past decade.
CMD Clarifies on Coal Stock
SCCL Chairman and Managing Director Buddhaprakash Jyoti stated on Saturday that maintaining such stock is a normal operational practice followed by all coal-producing companies and is essential for monsoon and power supply. "Without stock, uninterrupted coal supply to thermal power stations may be difficult. To ensure reliable power generation, SCCL maintains a minimum stock of around 3 million tonnes (30 lakh tonnes), equivalent to approximately 15 days of thermal power station requirements," the CMD said in a statement, indirectly responding to BRS working president KTR's allegations about 40 lakh MT coal stocks in Singareni.
The CMD emphasized that this practice is not new and has been followed for several years. "Coal stocks have been maintained in a similar manner since 2014. SCCL had 70 lakh MT of coal stock in 2015-16 and 74 lakh MT in 2016-17. From 2014 to 2024, the average coal stock maintained at mines and CHPs was around 50 lakh MT," he added.
Site Visit Certificate Controversy
Addressing the controversial site visit certificate introduced during a recent tender, Buddhaprakash explained that its primary purpose is to ensure bidders fully understand site conditions, safety requirements, scope of work, and local operational challenges. "Due to insufficient understanding of local conditions, some contractors either abandoned the work midway or executed it at a slow pace. This has resulted in reduced operational efficiency, loss of coal production for SCCL, financial losses to contractors, and legal and contractual disputes," the CMD said.
ACB Enquiry into Medical Boards
Regarding the ACB enquiry into previous medical boards of SCCL, which conduct assessments for dependent and compassionate appointments, the CMD noted that the ACB acted on SCCL's request. Two employees were arrested, and departmental action has been initiated against them.
