The Government of India (GoI) has offered 10 blocks in different
coalfields around the country for the exploration and production of
Coal Bed Methane (CBM). The blocks, amounting to an area of 5,000
sq. kms, are located in the states of Assam, Jharkhand, Orrissa,
Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The GoI
is inviting foreign and Indian companies to bid for the blocks on a
level playing field through a competitive bidding system.
CBM in India
India, with the fourth largest proven coal reserves in the
world, holds considerable prospects for exploration and
exploitation of CBM. The total sedimentary area for CBM exploration
is around 26,000 sq. kms. A total of 26 blocks covering an area of
13,600 sq. kms have been awarded under three previous bidding
rounds, and three of these blocks have entered the development
phase. Exploration has therefore yet to be initiated in nearly 50%
of the total sedimentary area, presenting a significant
