The Minister of Development of North Eastern Region and Mines, Shri B. K. Handique has said that the quantum of lignite reserves estimated in the country as on 01-04-2009 is 39073.55 Million Tonnes. Following is the state wise details.

Sl No. State Geological Reserves (in Million Tonnes)
1 Tamil Nadu 31401.80
2 Puducherry 416.61
3 Rajasthan 4554.05
4 Gujarat 2662.75
5 J & K 27.55
6 Kerala 9.65
7 West Bengal 1.15
Total 39073.55

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha Today he said, as per available information, the details of state-wise new reserve areas added to the lignite inventory from 2005 to 2009 are given below:

S. No. State Lignite Blocks Reserves (in Million Tonnes)
1. Tamilnadu Bhuvanageri-Kullanchavadi 385.40
Eastern Part of Neyveli 562.32
Alangudi 158.00
Pandanallur 73.67
Tirumangaichri 113.19
Misal 52.71
Sub-Total (Tamilnadu) 1345.29
2. Rajasthan Nagurda and Nagurda East 254.00
Kawas Gravity Block 53.69
South of Nimbla 109.60
Sewara 76.08
Bapeau 35.58
Bigga Abaisinghpura 44.64
Sub-Total (Rajasthan) 573.59
Grand Total 1918.88

The Minister said, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) are the exploration agencies involved in promotional Lignite Exploration. For the XI plan, a target of 3.50 lakhs metres (2.95 lakhs metres for MECL & 0.55 lakhs metres for GSI) is envisaged for promotional lignite exploration in the country.

He said, after allotment of lignite blocks to the mining entrepreneurs by the Government the development of lignite production takes 36 to 60 months depending upon the lease holder obtaining necessary clearances