Coal production hits 1 billion-tonne mark, eases import dependence

Coal and lignite production hit the billion tonne-mark on Friday — rising almost 7% from the last fiscal year — with coal minister Pralhad Joshi crediting the Modi govt for the reforms initiated since it assumed office in 2014. Faced with a shortfall in coal production and supply, govt has been seeking to push domestic output to reduce imports. While a break-up was not immediately available, coal production was estimated to have increased to 870 million tonnes between April and Feb 26.