Policy For Use Of Land Acquired Under CBA Act, 1957:
The Union Cabinet has approved the policy for use of land acquired under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957 [CBA Act].
- The policy provides for utilisation of such land for the purpose of development and setting up of infrastructure relating to coal and energy.
The CBA Act, 1957:
- The Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957 provides for the acquisition of land containing or likely to contain coal deposits and for matters connected therewith.
- Under the provisions of this Act, the land is acquired for Government Companies only for coal mining and activities strictly incidental to mining purposes.
- For other requirements, like permanent infrastructure, offices, residence etc. the land is acquired under Land Acquisition Act, 1894.
- Mining rights and surface rights of a single patch of land may not be acquired under different Acts.
Provisions of the Proposed Policy:
- The policy provides clear policy framework for utilisation of following types of lands acquired under the CBA Act:
- Lands no longer suitable or economically viable for coal mining activities; or
- Lands from which coal has been mined out / de-coaled and such land has been reclaimed.
- Coal India Ltd. (CIL) will Remain Owner of the Land:
- The Government coal companies, such as Coal India Ltd. (CIL) and its subsidiaries shall remain owners of these lands acquired under the CBA Act.
- Leasing of Land for Specified Period:
- The Government company which owns the land would lease such land for a specific period given under the policy.
- The entities for leasing shall be selected through a transparent, fair and competitive bid process and mechanism in order to achieve optimal value.
- The lands will be considered for activities such as setting up washeries, coal gasification and coal-to-chemical plants and to set up or provide for energy-related infrastructure.
