The central government has decided to start underground at a large scale, in order to check the emission of green house gasses. With this step, India will be the first among developing countries to start such a venture.

In the underground coal gasification, coal is converted into gas at a commercial scale. This technique is considered a better technique as compared to underground mining of coal.

Under this project, the government has selected three coal blocks in Jharkhand, Maharastra and Orissa to start gasification work within a year. This process will help in maximize the coal production and lessen the carbon emission and other risks.

In a statement, the Minister of State for Coal, Mr. Sriprakash Jaiswal said, "Due to the topographical oddities of our mines and various other factors, we are not able to extract more than 60 per cent coal. Now, we require less surface land to start the work."

The coal mines in the Jharia in Jharkhand have been devastated by underground fire, posing danger to the lives of those living in the area, from the last 50 years.
Regarding the matter, Mr. Jaiswal informed that the Centre has approved a rehabilitation package of Rs 10,000 crore and also formed Jharia-Dhanbad Development Board to shift people from Jharia, Asansol and other districts.