Chhattisgarh seeks central help to develop coal-rich areas

RAIPUR - Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Thursday urged the coal ministry to work in tandem with the state government for developing infrastructure in the coal-rich districts.

Singh called on union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal in New Delhi and asked him to undertake development initiatives for the coal-rich parts of the state, according to a statement issued by the government here.

“The four districts — Korba, Raigarh, Surguja and Koria — are contributing a lot of coal and fulfilling the nation’s coal requirement, and in return the central government should ensure an integrated and planned development of these districts,” Singh told the coal minister.

The coal ministry, railway ministry and power ministry should work in tandem with the Chhattisgarh government for creating employment opportunities in these four districts, besides contributing for infrastructure and social development.

Chhattisgarh’s northern region is one of most backward regions of the country, though it has vast resources of mineral resources.