'Coal and Lignite Exploration Plan'

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the continuation of "Coal and Lignite Exploration Scheme" till 2026.

• The time period of the scheme has been extended from 2021-22 to 2025-26 with an estimated expenditure of Rs 2980 crore.

• Rs 1650 crore has been allocated for promotional (regional) exploration and Rs 1330 crore for detailed drilling in non-CIL fields.

• About 1300 sq km area will be covered under regional exploration and 650 sq km area will be covered under detailed exploration.

• Geological reports generated through these explorations will be used for auction of new coal blocks.