Standing Committee reviews future of coal in India’s energy mix and functioning of GSI and IBM in Munnar
Hamirpur/Munnar, September 8, 2026: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel, chaired by former Union Cabinet Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur, held extensive deliberations on India’s future energy requirements and mineral sector priorities on the second day of its study visit in Munnar, Kerala.
In the first session, the Committee held discussions with senior officials of the Ministry of Coal and representatives of NLC India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company Limited and Bharat Coking Coal Limited on the future of coal in India’s energy mix. Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized the need to balance India’s energy security and baseload power requirements with responsible decarbonisation. He highlighted the importance of technological modernisation, clean energy initiatives and self-reliance in domestic coal production for sustaining India’s economic growth.
In the second session, the Committee reviewed the functioning of the Geological Survey of India and the Indian Bureau of Mines in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Mines. Discussions focused on accelerating indigenous exploration of critical and strategic minerals, strengthening technology-driven geological mapping and promoting sustainable mining practices.
Anurag Singh Thakur emphasized that modern surveying technologies, efficient institutions and streamlined regulatory frameworks are essential to reduce import dependence, secure critical mineral supply chains and strengthen India’s industrial growth under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
