To take a final decision on the issues related to coal linkages and environment an inter-ministerial panel, headed by the Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, will meet again after the Union Budget. The Group of Ministers (GoM) met on February 18 but did not reach any conclusion.    

The Finance Minister is slated to present the Union Budget, 2013-14 on February 28. The GoM has been set up to consider environmental and developmental issues relating to coal mining and other developmental projects. Pawar did not share the issues that were discussed at the meeting. However, according to sources, the inter-ministerial panel discussed on various issues including coal linkages to KSK Energy.    

Besides, the Environment Ministry's panel report on inviolate forest areas was also discussed, sources said.  The report of high-level Environment Ministry panel has recommended total ban on mining activities in areas of national parks, tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries and suggested that thick forests in such areas be classified as 'inviolate'.