Nagpur, Jun 6 (UNI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday inaugurated the Western Coalfields' (WCL) Adasa coal mine near Nagpur through video conferencing.

Speaking after the inauguration the Mr Thackeray said starting the mine was a very significant step

under the phase-wise reopening of public and economic activities in Maharashtra.

He further said coal was very vital for power generation. If focused on production of quality coal, the problems of shortage of power in India would end and especially in rural areas farmers would receive uninterrupted and affordable electricity supply during daytime at the lower rate.

The Maharashtra CM also hoped that collieries would ensure low pollution levels.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by WCL said that the Adasa coal mine near Nagpur was set up with investment of Rs 334 crore and it would produce 1.5 million metric tonnes of coal per year and about 550 people will get jobs through the mine.



As many as 14 other coal mines with the investment of Rs 11,500 crore would start operations in

Maharashtra in the next four years and 13,000 people would get employment, the statement added.

Two coal mines in Madhya Pradesh were also inaugurated by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The two collieries in Sharda and Dhankasa in Madhya Pradesh have incurred a total capital expenditure Rs 849 crore.

UNI PK JTS 1712