Mumbai, June 18 -- Union Minister of Mines G Kishan Reddy on Thursday emphasised the strategic importance of coal gasification in building a sustainable Indian economy, positioning it as a pivotal move to reduce import dependency and strengthen the nation's energy independence.

Addressing a gathering at a roadshow to promote Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification, in Mumbai, he highlighted India's resource potential, noting that the country possesses the fifth-largest coal reserves globally, with Chhattisgarh housing the Gevra mine, identified as the largest in the world.

He also noted that Maharashtra has developed into a model in the field of coal gasification, setting a precedent for other regions.

With coal currently meeting over 70 per...