The document discusses coal as a fuel for electricity generation in India. It notes that coal has advantages like being abundantly available and low-cost in India, and power generation technology using coal is well developed. However, coal also has shortcomings like low calorific value, producing large quantities of pollutants and ash, and the problematic disposal of ash. India's coal reserves are estimated to be 206 billion tonnes with current consumption being around 450 million tonnes annually. The cost to produce one unit of electricity from coal is Rs. 0.75 per unit, compared to Rs. 1.20 per unit for gas.