India’s coal and lignite production has surpassed one billion tonnes

Current Context: India’s coal and lignite production has indeed surpassed the one billion tonnes mark for the fiscal year 2023-24.

• This achievement is in line with the government’s target for this financial year.
• The output was 6.7% higher year-on-year.
• This milestone was set a few years ago, considering the increasing electricity requirements.
• Surpassing the one billion tonnes mark in coal and lignite production reduces the dependence on imports.
• As of March 22, 2024, India had about 96 million tonnes of coal available with companies.
• In addition, stocks at domestic coal-based thermal power plants total 49.5 million tonnes.
• These stocks will enable power generators to sail through the summer months when demand is expected to expand substantially.
• The government had earlier said the peak electricity demand between April and June is likely to reach 260 GW as compared with 243 GW this year in September 2023.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts higher-than-normal temperatures in the upcoming summer.
• However, preparations are on to meet the upcoming summer demand, with higher coal stocks at power plants than anticipated.

Question:

Q.1 What is the total coal and lignite production of India for the fiscal year 2023-24?
a. 500 million tonnes
b. 1 billion tonnes
c. 1.5 billion tonnes
d. 2 billion tonnes