The Union Cabinet has approved the policy for use of land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957 (CBA Act).
The policy provides for utilisation of such land for the purpose of development and setting up of infrastructure relating to coal and energy. The CBA Act provides for acquisition of coal bearing lands and their vesting in government company, free from any encumbrance. The approved policy provides clear policy framework for utilisation of two types of lands acquired under the CBA Act. One arelands that are no longer suitable or economically viable for coal mining activities; and the other are lands from which coal has been mined out/de-coaled and such land has been reclaimed. The government coal companies, such as Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries will remain owner of these lands acquired under the CBA Act and the policy allows only leasing of the land for the specified purposes given in the policy. The lands will be considered for activities including setting up of coal washeries, conveyor systems, coal handling plants,among others.