The Union environment ministry of India has refused to grant an exemption to the minimum depth requirement for underground coal gasification (UCG) projects, citing environmental concerns. This decision was made during an expert appraisal committee meeting on February 23, 2026.
The ministry of coal had requested a relaxation of the minimum depth condition of over 300 meters for pilot-scale UCG projects, specifically targeting the R&D UCG Pilot Project at Kasta (West) Block of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in Jharkhand. The request was based on international precedents, particularly Uzbekistan’s Podzemgaz UCG Station, operating at depths of 150–200 meters since 1961.
However, the committee emphasized that environmental safety parameters vary significantly across India’s coalfields and cannot be directly compared with global projects. The committee concluded that due to the heterogeneous conditions in India, international precedents are not directly applicable, and the exemption from the 300-meter depth criterion cannot be granted.
Previously, the EAC had allowed exemptions for non-commercial pilot projects, provided they met specific safeguards, including a minimum operational depth of over 300 meters. Coal gasification remains a key focus for India, aiming to harness its vast coal reserves efficiently and sustainably.
As India continues to expand its renewable energy projects, the rejection of this exemption highlights the country’s commitment to environmental safety in energy production. Future developments in coal gasification will require careful consideration of environmental impacts.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 10, 2026
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