According to Mr Sriprakash Jaiswal Union Coal Minister of India, the Coal ministry had given in principle approval for allotment of five coal blocks to four NTPC thermal power plants in Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh on 21 September 2011.
The coal blocks would be allocated through government dispensation route to NTPC's four power projects - 500 MW in Raibareilly in UP, 1600 MW at Kudgi in Karnataka, 1600 MW at Gajmara in Orissa and 3960 MW at Barethi in Madhya Pradesh.
The ministry in its bid overcome shortage of power in Uttar Pradesh, has approved two power projects in the state. These include one power project on 2,000 MW at Ghatampur in Kanpur and other at Bilhor in Kanpur of 1320 MW by NTPC.
