Panaji, Sep 25 (TNN): The Goa government's plan to generate 1,800 mega watts of power through Chhattishgarh coal block to supplement its industrial requirement has received a setback with a Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday.

The apex court on Wednesday cancelled all 214 coal blocks, including the coal block allotted to Goa, in Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh.

The Goa industrial development corporation (GIDC), a nodal agency entrusted with the task of completing the processes for making the coal block functional, during the last two years, had succeeded in getting major mandatory permissions.

It had obtained environmental as well as forest clearances from the Union ministry of environment and forests (MOEF) and was in the process of getting a coal mining licence from the Chhattisgarh government.

The Goa government was hoping to start coal mining early next year to meet requirements of the industries. Many industrial estates in the state are facing power shortage, and Goa was relying on the coal block to meet the shortfall, as well as to attract new industries to the state.

GIDC's managing director Ajit Naik, when contacted, said he was aware of the Supreme Court's decision, but had no inkling as to what would be done next. "A decision will be taken after consultation with the higher-ups," he said.