Munnar, September 7, 2026: Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur, who chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel, led the committee’s comprehensive review of India’s coal sector and future energy requirements as it commenced its study visit to Munnar on Sunday.
Under the leadership of Anurag Singh Thakur, the committee held detailed deliberations with senior officials of the Ministry of Coal, Coal India Limited and its major subsidiaries, including ECL, NCL and WCL. The discussions focused on the functioning, operational efficiency and production capabilities of Coal India Limited, as well as its crucial role in meeting India’s growing energy requirements.
The committee, led by Anurag Singh Thakur, examined various aspects related to strengthening and modernising the country’s coal sector and ensuring its preparedness for future energy demands. Special emphasis was laid on improving operational efficiency and ensuring the optimum utilisation of India’s natural resources to further strengthen the country’s energy security.
The study visit also included important deliberations on the Coal Gasification Scheme. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Coal, along with officials from MCL, SECL and CCL, participated in the discussions. The committee reviewed strategies for the effective implementation of coal gasification initiatives and explored the potential of cleaner and advanced coal technologies.
The discussions led by Anurag Singh Thakur focused on leveraging innovation and modern technology to ensure more responsible, efficient and sustainable utilisation of the country’s coal resources.
The committee noted the importance of modernising the coal sector, promoting cleaner coal technologies and effectively implementing innovative initiatives such as coal gasification in view of India’s growing energy requirements. These measures are expected to play an important role in strengthening the country’s long-term energy security.
The Munnar study visit marks another significant step in the committee’s ongoing parliamentary oversight of critical sectors and its efforts to contribute towards policy discussions aimed at building a stronger, more efficient and future-ready energy ecosystem for India.
