1

COAL CONSERVATION, UTILISATION AND

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

COAL CONSERVATION

1 Conservation of coal enjoins maximum recovery of in-situ reserves of

coal. Coal deposits in India occur mostly in thick seams and at shallow

depths. These aspects are taken into account during mine planning and

operation in ensuring maximum recovery.

2 Mechanised opencast mining in India is one of the very important

technology of coal production of thick seam from shallow depth.. The

percentage recovery by this method is up to 80% to 90% of the in-situ

coal reserves. The coal production from opencast method in Indian

mining is more than 75% of total production. This trend is likely to

continue in near future. The thick seam deposits earlier developed in

Bord and Pillar method or other methods of underground mining which

had been standing on pillars for long in absence of a suitable technology

of extraction have now become extractable by opencast mining with

HEMM equipment of suitable type. This method has been tried with

success in some of the mines of WCL, BCCL, CCL and ECL mines

where underground mining was carried out in the past under the

relatively shallow cover.

3 In case of SCCL, the scope for planning for opencast mines is limited,

longwall methods are being applied in the case of underground mines to

achieve higher underground production with higher percentage of

recovery.

The longwall method of mining is also being implemented in SECL,

ECL and BCCL in Coal India.. The overall recovery in longwall

technology is comparatively more than the recovery in B&P mining .

Mines having difficult geo-mining conditions like steep and irregular

coal seam deposits, gassy seams, contiguous and multi-section seams,

2

necessitate the introduction of some specific technology for exploitation

of such deposits.

For extraction of multi-section seams of thickness more than 4.8 mtrs.

methods such as Blasting gallery, Sub-level Caving, and Cable bolting

have been adopted in some of the mines. In Margherita area of NEC

special methods of mining such as, Bhaska method, Tipong method,

Shield method, and Flexible roofing have been tried . Presently Tipong

method and Scraper assisted chamber method are in use.

SAND STOWING

4 Sand stowing in underground mines is yet another effective means of

coal conservation, which is widely in use for extraction of coal pillars

from underground coal seams and coal seams lying underneath built up

area, such as surface structures, railway lines, roads, rivers, nallahs,

Jores, etc. Sand stowing is also used for protection against fire in coal

seams.

Under Research & Development activities for increased extraction of

coal, the following projects have been taken up :

(i) Optimal extraction of coal in locked up pillars underneath aquifers

and fragile ecology - CMRI/SECL

(ii) Development of an efficient method of extraction of developed

pillars for seam thickness up to 3.5m - SECL

(iii) Optimal extraction of coal locked in pillars of multiple and thick

seams - NIRM/SCCL

(iv) Optimisation of pillar parameters for development and final

extraction of highly inclined seams at SCCL mines - SCCL/ NIRM.

3

(v) Depillaring with cable bolting using LHD at Madhusudanpur

Colliery - ECL

CONTROL OF MINE FIRES & SUBSIDENCE

JHARIA COALFIELD

In the Jharia coalfield, at the time of nationalisation of coking coalmines

in 1972, there were reportedly, 70 active fires over an area of 17 sq.kms.

A number of schemes for control of fires envisaging an outlay of Rs.

114.57 crores, are under various stages of implementation. So far the

following results have been obtained.

1. No. of fires completely

liquidated

Ten. The remaining

60 fires are by and

large under control.

2. Fires affect reduction

of surface.

40%.

Presently 9 sq. km is

affected by fire (as

per study carried out

by international

consultants) out of

17.32 sq. km, as per

1986 estimate

3. Blanketing done Over 22 million m3

4

4. Nitrogen flushing done Over 3.0 million m3

5. Sand stowing done Over 50 million m3

6 Fire belts reclaimed

and converted into

Green Belts.

Joga, Kustore, Ena,

Pootkee, sendra

Bansjora Lodna etc.

Under IDA credit to the Govt. of India, BCCL received a loan of US $

12.00 million for developing a long-term plan for carrying out

investigation and preparation of recommendation of measures for

extinguishing controlling fires and preparation of Environmental

management Plan (EMP) for Jharia Coalfield. M/s GAI-METCHEM, a

joint venture of USA/ Canada was appointed for preparing the ‘FIRE

FIGHTING PROGRAMME’ and M/S NORWEST MINE SERVICES

of Canada for preparation of the EMP; The major observations/findings

are given below.

A. FIRE FIGHTING PROGRAMME

1. Overall fire shave reduced in area from about 17 sq. km (186) to 9.0

sq.km. (196)

2. Dhanbad-Patherdih Railway Line (28.km) is endangered by fires and

requires grout stabilisation relocation preferred.

3. Adra-Gomoh Railway Line requires protection by isolation trench and

water curtain.

4. Ekra, Kari and Catkari jores are endangered by fires and require

immediate grout stabilisation.

5

5. Jharia and Kirkend towns and other built up areas are endangered due

to fires and require immediate isolation from fires. Shifting of townships

have been recommended as a better option.

6. Some fires may be excavated as part of profitable opencast mining

projects such as Block-III, Kusunda Block-IV and Tisra.

B. PREPARATION OF EMP FOR JHARIA COALFIELD.

1. 22,300 families are required to be shifted.

2. Predominant air pollution is from road generated dust and vehicle

exhaust.

3. Contribution of dust by traffic is about 37% of total pollution load in

JCF.

4. The coalfield contributes about 15% of the total pollution load in the

Damodar River.

5. Construction Of small reservoirs to the North of the coalfields across

the streams is recommended.

6. Continue the existing plantation programme and encourage social

forestry.

SUBSIDENCE PROBLEM IN RANIGUNJ

In the past, prior to nationalisation of coalmines, unscientific mining was

carried out under shallow cover, which has resulted in some areas in

Ranijunj Coalfield being threatened with subsidence. Illegal mining is

aggravating this problem.

An apex monitoring committee (AMC) had been constituted with Shri

H.B. Ghosh, Ex-DGMS & Retired CMD, CMPDIL as Chairman and

representatives of Govt. of West Bengal, DGMS, CMPDIL, ECL, CMRI

local representatives etc. to go into the problem of subsidence in the

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Ranigunj Coalfield AMC has examined 49 unstable localities initially, in

June’92 of which 11 were found to have no apparent danger 21 more

localities were examined by AMC later in Sept’95 of which one has no

apparent danger.

In addition to the areas examined by the APEX MONITORING

COMMITTEE, ECL and CMPDIL have identified 2 more unstable

areas. Thus identified unstable areas total to 72. Out of this the

population of one site has been rehabilitated. Out of the remaining 71

areas, 47 are to be rehabilitated and 24 being densely populated have to

be stabilised.

However, out of these 71 areas, 12 have no apparent danger. Recently

DGMS has indicated 171 unstable localities, which are being examined

in detail by Technical Sub-committee of AMC. The absence of any

proven technology for stabilisation of old inaccessible waterlogged

working indigenous technology of hydro-pneumatic stowing has been

adopted for stabilisation of 5 sites viz. FATEPUR, BORACHAK,

HARIPUR, ARUN TALKIES and KUMAR BAZAR.

HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE

A High Level Committee was constituted with Secretary Coal as

Chairman to go into the problem of subsidence & fire in Ranigunj and

Jharia Coalfield and suggest mitigative measures. The Committee

submitted its report in January’98. The recommendations of the

Committee were accepted by the Govt. of India and are summarised

below

(i) Shifting of settlements over unstable areas to non-coal-bearing zones

(ii) There should be a total ban on any new construction over declared

unsafe areas. Govt. of Bihar should also enact a suitable legislation in

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line with the one already existing in West Bengal preventing

construction over unsafe areas.

(iii) Participation and assistance from State Govt. and local

administration is essential. Any enforcing agency entrusted with

responsibilities of carrying out mitigating measures against fire and

subsidence in RCF and FCF should be adequately represented by the

above authorities.

(iv) The mitigating measures against subsidence and fire hazards are

very costly options and fruitful implementation can only be possible

through separate executing agency with separate funding. Formation and

representatives of such agencies responsible for formulating schemes,

their implementation and management of funds should be finalised at the

earliest. A broad outline of executing agencies has been evolved in

consultation with the concerned State Govt. and the Govt. companies.

(v) Hydro-pneumatic stowing technology currently begin used in some

locations in RCF has been found to be a very slow process. High-

pressure slurry pumping technology should be tried at some locations in

BCCL for stabilising inaccessible unstable underground workings.

(vi) Intensive Stabilisation work of unstable areas under locations where

population cannot be shifted like Ranigunj town, should be carried out

and persons affected in the high rest but low-density areas may be

relocated in a phased manner.

(vii) For arranging fund for the purpose of stabilisation and relocation of

population the money could be made available either through planned

expenditure approved by the planning Commission or unplanned

expenditure from CCDA fund after making suitable enactment.

(viii) Considering the urgency one scheme each by ECL and BCCL for

shifting of population from unsafe areas may be taken up without

waiting for institutional arrangement for funds from planned funds

available with Ministry of Coal.

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(ix) The Interim Reports submitted by BCCL and ECL jointly with State

authorities indicating the likely affected population and financial

implications should be kept in mind while drawing up priority-wise

schemes from immediate and effective solutions.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE

HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE

1. BCCL has put a total ban on construction of new quarter of on unsafe

areas. BCCL is not constructing any houses over coal bearing areas.

2. Mining Area Development Authority (MADA) has also issued

notification banning any new construction over critically endangered

areas in BCCL.

3. Enactment of suitable legislation banning construction over unsafe

areas is still awaited from Govt. of Bihar.

4. The District Administration has appealed through local newspaper

giving details of the endangered areas of or immediate evacuation,

particularly from areas under illegal occupation.

5. Govt. of Bihar has been requested to constitute a Sub-authority for

rehabilitation of non-BCCL people from endangered areas. This has not

been done so far.

6. BCCL has, as a one-time measure of goodwill, identified a

rehabilitation city to be handed over to the State Govt. for construction

of 3100 houses for non-BCCL people.

7. One R&D project has been started to establish the technology of high

pressure stowing at Madhuban Colliery, meanwhile, filling of

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inaccessible voids is being done presently by hydraulic sand stowing

through surface bore-holes in many locations in BCCL.

EMSC SCHEMES

The schemes under implementation are as under;

Subsidence Control

Scheme Status

1. Schemes for stabilisation

below Kari Jore at Kusunda-

Industry boundary

Completed on

schedule in June,’99

2. Stabilisation below Jharia

water Board Tank at E.

Bhuggatdih Colliery

Completed ahead of

schedule in Nov’99

3. Stabilisation below Kusunda

Railway year

Under

Implementation

4. Stabilisation below Chatkari

Jore at Joyrampur Colliery

Under

Implementation

5. Stabilisation of Bata Morc of

Jharia Town

CMRI has done a

detailed study of the

unstable area of

jharia town, funded

by BCCL at a cost

of Rs. 3. lakhs.

CMRI has been

awarded the work of

stabilisation of Bata

More by BCCL on

10

turn-key basis at a

further cost of Rs.

30 Lakhs,. About

80% of the job has

been completed.

Fire Control

The following fire control schemes are under implementation:

1. Scheme for dealing with fire at Lodna Colliery.

2. Scheme for dealing with fire at Rajapur Colliery.

3. Scheme for dealing with fire at Industry Colliery.

4. Scheme for dealing with fire at Alkusa Colliery Colliery.

Rehabilitaiton

A scheme for rehabilitation of people from most endangered areas of

BCCL has been approved in May’98 at a sanctioned cost of Rs. 33.88

Crores (under revision) for construction of 1500 BCCL houses and 3100

non-BCCL houses. Around 350 house are in different stages of

construction.

COAL UTILISATION

14 The following major jobs on coal utilisation have been undertaken :

1. A report on investigation on explosion in ESP of Boiler No.2 of NLC

has been prepared and submitted to Neyveli Lignite Corporation.

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2. Project Reports on 100 tpd SSF plants for seven proposed units under

private sector have been prepared and submitted to the parties.

3. Design package for SSF plant has been modified and prepared for

release of know- how.

4. Licence Agreement between three SSF units & CMPDI has been

signed and technical know-how released to them.

5. Joint Inspection of softcoke/ hardcoke manufacturing units (54 in

number), linked with subsidiary companies of CIL, have been carried

out with CIL & linked companies.

6. Pre-commissioning, guarantee test-run and capacity assessment of

Muraidih SSF plant of BCCL have been undertaken with BCCL.

7. Joint Inspection of 3 SSF plants under private sector has been carried

out with linked company CCL.

8. Commissioning of two 100 tpd SSF plants under private sector has

been completed successfully.

S&T Project

15 The R&D activities in coal sector are administered through an Apex

body namely, Standing Scientific Research Committee (SSRC) with

Secretary (Coal) as its Chairman. The Other members of this apex body

include Chairman of CIL, CMDs of CMPDIL, SCCL and NLC,

Directors of concerned CSIR Laboratories, representatives of

Department of S&T, Planning Commission and educational institutions,

amongst others. The main functions of SSRC are to plan, programme,

budget and oversee the implementation of research projects and seek

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application of the findings of the R&D work done. For in house R&D

work of CIL, R&D Board headed by Chairman, CIL is also functioning.

The SSRC is being assisted by four Standing Sub-Committees, each

dealing with one of the four relevant major areas of research:-

- Production, Productivity & Safety

- Coal Beneficiation

- Coal Utilisation

- Environment& Ecology

CMPDI acts as Nodal Agency for co-ordination of research activities in

coal sector, which involves identification of thrust areas for research

activities, identification of agencies, which can take up the research

work in the identified fields, processing the proposals for Government

approval, monitoring the progress of implementation of the projects,

preparation of budget estimates, disbursement of funds etc.

16 The list of completed S&T Projects as on 30.12.99 is given below:

1. Development of technology for conversion of backfilled

areas in Ballarpur opencast for Agriculture -WCL & IISc

2. Development of technology for production of additives

based on coal tar products for coal water slurry fuel -

CFRI

3. Utilisation of syn-gas from coal synthesis of higher

olefins through oligomerisation of olefins from Syn-gas -

CFRI

4. Subsidence studies for development of models with

special reference to multi seam mining in India - CMRI

5. Industrial application of vorsyl separator in BCCL/CCL

coal washeries - RRL, Bhopal.

13

6. Development of viable techno-economic know-how for

beneficiation of non-coking coal for power generation -

CFRI

7. Introduction of automation system in the coal preparation

plant at Sawang Washery - CMPDI

8 In seam seismic survey – CMPDI

9 Development of mechanised spraying system for spraying

fire protective coating material for industrial application

in the coal benches of large opencast projects – CMRI.

10 Ecological & aerobiological studies of coal mine area –

Vinoba Bhave University.

11 Biological method of employing VAM fungi and nitrogen

fixing bacteria – NLC/Madras University

12 Handi method of coal categorisation and prediction of

spontaneous heating risks in mine – CMRI/ISM/CFRI

.

17 Status of Coal S&T Projects as on 31.12.99 is given below:

i) Projects on-going - 36

(as on 1.4.99)

ii) Projects approved during - 19

14

1999-2000

iii) Projects completed - 12

during 1999-2000

iv) Projects dropped - 02

during 1999-2000

v) Projects on-going - 41

( as on 31.12.99)

18 Project funded by CIL R&D Board:

i) The Standing Parliamentary Committee on Energy and modernisation

and Growth for the Coal Industry pointed out the need for a full-fledged

R&D Board in CIL for modernisation and growth of the coal industry.

ii) As an outcome of the above, the R&D Board was constituted by CIL

in August, 1995.

iii) The Chairman, CIL is the Chairman of the R&D Board and all

CMDs of the Subsidiary Companies and the Director(Tech.) of

Subsidiary Companies are also its members by rotation for a period of

one year. CGM (CP), CIL is the Member Secretary of the Board.

iv) An Empowered Sub-Committee has been constituted to assist R&D

Board to plan, programme, budget, monitor and seek application of

research findings.

19 Status as on 31.12.99 of R&D Projects, sanctioned by R&D Board of

CIL, is given below:

15

i) Projects on-going (as on 1.4.99) - 08

ii) Projects approved during 1999-00 - 05

iii) Projects completed during 1999-00 - Nil

iv) On-going projects as on 31.12.99 - 12

v) Projects dropped during 1999-2000 - 01

20 The list of 12 on-going R&D projects is given below:

1. High capacity sand flushing through boreholes at

Madhuband Colliery, BCCL. - CMPDI/BCCL.

2. Resource survey characterisation and blending studies of

Low-Volatile coking coal for their use in steel industry. -

CMPDI

3. Restoration of Biodiversity on OB dumps & back filled

areas using integrated Biotechnological approach. – WCL.

4. Optimisation of ambient air quality monitoring networks

and application of mathematical models of air pollution

control in N. Karanpura Coalfield under CCL. -

CMPDI/BIT MESRA.

5. Depillaring by caving with yield pillar technique at

Parascole Colliery. - ECL.

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6. Depillaring with cable bolting using LHD at

Madhusudanpur Colliery - ECL

7. Utilisation of over-burden material through modification

of physico-mechanical properties for construction of haul

road. - BIT/CMPDI.

8. Development of computerised continuous mining

equipment condition monitoring system for maximum

machine available time of working machines in mine -

SECL/CMRI.

9. Application of chemical treatment and centrifugation in

environment - friendly disposal of coal washery tailing. -

CMPDI/CCL

10. Strata control, roof support design for development and

depillaring operations at Tandsi Project, Kanhan Area,

WCL with detailed geo-technical study including

measurement of in-situ stress and its effect. -

WCL/CMPDI

11. Determination of efficacy of soil segment etc. for

prevention of spontaneous heating in coal stock pile of

Samleshwari OCP, MCL. - MCL.

12. Geo-mining statistical database of South Karanpura

Coalfields - CCL.

21 Schemes under the head "Environmental Measures &

Subsidence Control"

(i) The thrust areas of Environmental Measures & Subsidence Control

are restoration and control of degraded land due to mining and control of

subsidence, particularly in Jharia and Raniganj coalfields. A third sub-

head titled "Social Mitigation" has been added and 2 schemes under this

sub-head have been sanctioned.

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(ii) A provision of Rs.79 Crores has been kept for IX Plan outlay for

EMSC Schemes. Schemes have been sanctioned under different Sub-

heads as detailed in Table-A and are being implemented

(iii) Completed Schemes :

(a) Out of the 26 schemes, 4 schemes concerning identification of

Subsidence Prone areas and remedial measures for their safeguards have

been completed during 98-99.

Table-A

Sub Head No. of

Schemes

Approved

Cost

Disbursement

upto 99-00

Remarks

(a)

Environmental

Measures

8 27.33 13.12 4

Schemes

completed

till 98-99 (b)

Subsidence

Control

16 24.34 11.58

(c) Social

Mitigation

2 66.40 2.00

TOTAL 26 118.07 26.70

(b) Based on the completion of these four Schemes, Master Plans for

rehabilitation and control of fire and subsidence for ECL & BCCL

command areas for the Raniganj and Jharia coalfields have been

prepared. These Master Plans cover the aspects of controlling the coal

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mine fires and stabilising subsidence prone areas in the coalfields.

Where the subsidence cannot be controlled by technical measures, the

rehabilitation of the inhabitants overlying such unsafe areas has been

covered . The report prioritises the locations to be taken up for

implementation of the three activities i.e. subsidence control, fire control

and rehabilitation. The prioritisation is based on degree of danger

assessed for different locations.

(c) A Scheme for stabilisation of developed workings in XIII seam

below Kari Jore at Kusunda-Industry colliery boundary in BCCL, has

been completed by sand filling into the voids through boreholes and

cement grouting under pressure for consolidation of strata at a cost of

Rs.4.40 lakhs.

(d) Scheme for subsidence control by stabilisation below Jharia Water

Board Tank at East Bhagatdih Colliery of BCCL has also been

completed at a capital outlay of Rs.68 Lakhs.

The completion report for the above two schemes are under preparation.

(iv) On-going Schemes :

(a) For reclamation of abandoned coal mines in ECL, 511 ha. degraded

areas of OB dumps and opencast voids have been completed during the

year by Social Forestry Division of Govt. of West Bengal and Bihar.

Action for bio-reclamation of balance 380 Ha. is in progress. Similarly

out of 728 Ha. of degraded land to be reclaimed in CCL, about 500 Ha.

have been taken up for bio-reclamation. Further areas will be taken up in

the year 2000-01.

(b) Procurement of most of P&M for implementation of 4 Nos. of Fire

and Subsidence Schemes have been completed in BCCL and work has

been started to deal with coal mines fires at Lodna, Rajapur , Alkusa and

Industry collieries of BCCL.

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(c) Similarly, procurement of P&M for implementation of hydro-

pneumatic stabilisation at five new localities in ECL (Palasban, Gwala

basti, Porar bandh, Pottary and Bhut Doba) have been completed for

taking the job departmentally.

Hydro-pneumatic stabilisation beneath Fatehpur, Borachak and Haripur

villages are in process.

(d) Social Mitigation projects : Two Social Mitigation projects , one

each for BCCL and ECL command area has been sanctioned for

rehabilitating the people living in the endangered areas. The details of

the two Schemes are as under :

Sl.No. Name of the Scheme Sanction Capital Sanction letter

( Rs. in crore)

1. Shifting of people from 33.88 34012/28/97-

most endangered areas CRC dt.19.5.98

of BCCL

2. Rehabilitation of four 32.52 34012/29/97-

unstable locations in ECL CRC dt. 19.5.98

While sanctioning these schemes, the EFC allowed release of only Rs.

one crore for each of the schemes for initial work. Further release of

funds was to be made after recommendations of a committee constituted

by Deptt. of Coal to review the physical progress of implementation of

these two rehabilitation schemes . The committee, constituted by DOC

in Sept'99, has submitted the report in Nov'99.

The status of the implementation of above two schemes, being

implemented in BCCL and ECL, is given as under: -

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1. Progress in BCCL:

(I) Present Status:

(a) BCCL has initiated action for construction of 1500 houses at 6

locations on the non-coal bearing land viz. at Bhimkanali, near Katras

Coal Dump, Bhuli, Nichitpur, East Bassuriya and Amtaal. The work

order was awarded in Sept'98. Subsequently, five more work orders have

been issued for construction of additional houses.

(b) 32 Nos. of quarters have been completed at Bhimkanali, 48 units are

nearing completion near Katras Coal Dump and 156 quarters are in mid-

stage of construction.

(c) The process of shifting people from the endangered areas has been

started and the first lot of 9 Nos. of old houses in the endangered

locations of Block-II OCP and 5 nos. at Phularitand have been

demolished completely and 13 families have actually shifted in newly

constructed houses at Bhimkanali. Shifting activities for the remaining

families are in progress.

(II) Constitution of Sub-Authority by Govt. of Bihar

Govt. of Bihar has not constituted the Sub-Authority, so far as per the

recommendations of the High Level Committee. A Committee was,

however, constituted under the Chairmanship of Commissioner, North

Chhotanagpur, Hazaribagh including Dy.Commissioner, Dhanbad and

CMD, BCCL as members. The committee had deliberated on the issue

of rehabilitation of non BCCL people during a meeting held on

05.09.98. BCCL has offered land for construction of 3100 houses, as a

one time measure for rehabilitation of non-BCCL persons.

In order to expedite construction of 3100 houses by the Govt. of Bihar, a

Sub-authority was required to be set up immediately by the State Govt.

In this regard, several reminders have been sent since June'98 to the

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Govt. of Bihar. Letters have been sent to Secretary, Mines & Geology,

Govt. of Bihar on 22.06.98, 21.07.98 and 25.09.98 for constitution of the

Sub-Authority. This matter was also discussed by CMD, BCCL with the

Secretary and Commissioner, Mines & Geology, Govt. of Bihar on

14.10.98.

Inspite of the actions initiated by the BCCL, the Govt. of Bihar has not

so far constituted the Sub-Authority.

(III) Expenditure Incurred or Provision of Funds:

An amount of Rs.1.0 crore released by the Govt. of India in 98-99 has

been spent by the BCCL for the construction work of 1500 houses.

Release of additional funds is in process.

2. Progress in ECL:

(I) Present Status:

Various steps have been taken for implementation in association with

the State Govt. officials for the purpose of finalising the agreement with

the local villagers for shifting of 4 identified unstable areas. The present

status is as follows :-

Sl.N

o.

Name of

unstable

localities

Constituti

on of

Village

Committe

e

Completi

on of

socio-

economi

c Survey

Identificati

on of land

for

rehabilitati

ion

Agreement

with

Village

Committee

on

proposed

compensat

ion

package

Agreem

ent with

Village

committ

ee

regardin

g

identifie

d land.

1 Shudamdih Yes Yes Yes No. No.

22

Ph-1

2 Refugee

Bastee(Ban

gal Para)

Yes Yes Yes No. No.

3 Kenda

Village

Yes Yes Yes No. No.

4 Harishpur

Village

No. No. No. No. No.

Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Coal, wrote to Chief Secretary, West

Bengal, who instructed District Magistrate and other officials to expedite

the implementation of these Schemes. Inspite of follow-up by ECL, no

progress has been made.

On 14.07.99, Director of Industries, Govt. of West Bengal, had

convened a meeting in the office of ADM, Asansol to discuss the present

status of the progress made so far in this regard. All the required details

have been submitted to DM, Asansol in the month of July'99 itself, but

no further discussion or progress could be made.

(II) Initiative and Co-operation from State Govt.

A stronger initiative on the part of the representative of the State

Government is necessary to persuade the affected villagers to come to an

agreement regarding location of rehabilitation sites and compensation

packages.

(III) Capital Expenditure incurred and Provision of Funds:

23

No expenditure could be incurred under this scheme till date since the

sites for rehabilitation are not finalised and the compensation package

for the Project Affected People has not been jointly agreed upon.

23 During 1999-00 no new EMSC scheme has been approved by the

competent authority (upto December, 1999).

24 Status of EMSC Schemes as on 31.12.99 is given below :-

(i) On-going schemes - 22

(as on 1.4.99)

(ii) Schemes approved - NIL

during 1999-00

(iii) Schemes completed - 2

during 1999-00

(iv) Scheme dropped - NIL

during 1999-00

(v) On-going project - 20

as on 31.12.99

Schemes completed

till 31.12.99

( Since inception ) - 6

24

CONTROL OF MINE FIRES & SUBSIDENCE

JHARIA COALFIELD

In the Jharia coalfield, at the time of nationalisation of coking coal mines

in 1972, there were reportedly, 70 active fires over an area of 17 sq.kms.

A number of schemes for control of fires envisaging an outlay of Rs.

114.57 crores, are under various stages of implementation. So far the

following results have been obtained.

Under IDA credit tot he Govt. of India, BCCL received a loan of US $

12.00 million for developing a long-term plan for carrying out

investigation and preparation of recommendation of measures for

extinguishing controlling fires and preparation of Environmental

management Plan (EMP) for Jharia Coalfield. M/s GAI-METCHEM, a

joint venture of USA/ Canada was appointed for preparing the ‘FIRE

FIGHTING PROGRAMME’ and M/S NORWEST MINE SERVICES

of Canada for preparation of the EMP.

1. No. of fires completely

liquidated

Ten. The remaining

60 fires are by and

large under control.

2. Reduction of surface

are affected by fires.

40%.

Presently 9 sq. km is

affected by fire (as

per study carried out

by international

consultants) out of

17.32 sq. km, as per

1986 estimate

3. Blanketing done Over 22 million m3

25

4. Nitorgen flushing done Over 3.0 million m3

5. Sand stowing done Over 50 million m3

6 Fire belts reclaimed

and converted into

Green Belts.

Joga, Kustore, Ena,

Pootkee, sendra

Bansjora Lodna etc.

*****

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