MLA visits gas-affected areas, inspects relief camps in Dhanbad district
Key Points:
- Saryu Roy holds BCCL management and DGMS responsible for gas leak
- Mining operations ongoing since 1914 without proper sand filling norms
- Illegal mining through broken walls aggravates situation in area
DHANBAD – Saryu Roy, MLA from Jamshedpur East, visited Kenduadih gas-affected region and blamed BCCL management and DGMS for the ongoing crisis.
Roy toured the affected localities on Monday. He met local residents during his visit. Moreover, he listened to their problems carefully. The legislator also inspected relief camps. He gathered information about displaced families’ conditions.
Roy addressed a press conference at Circuit House in Dhanbad. He stated that gas leakage created major problems. The MLA directly blamed BCCL management and DGMS. Both institutions failed to take effective safety measures.
Mining operations began in 1914 in this region. Underground mines require sand filling after extraction. However, BCCL violated these mandatory regulations. On the other hand, authorities only constructed walls at mine entrances.
Gas pressure increased due to improper closure methods. The toxic gas now erupts through ground cracks. In addition, it becomes hazardous upon air contact. Local residents face serious health threats daily.
Roy alleged illegal mining continues through broken walls. BCCL takes no concrete action to stop it. Meanwhile, DGMS holds safety responsibility for mining areas. The regulatory body’s role appears negligent and dangerous.
Authorities plan to relocate affected families elsewhere. The proposed sites lack employment opportunities. Furthermore, basic facilities remain unavailable at relocation areas. Besides, residents oppose forced displacement without proper rehabilitation.
The legislator stated clearly that common people suffer. They face consequences of BCCL and DGMS corruption. In contrast, responsible authorities avoid accountability measures. Roy emphasized that innocent citizens bear punishment unfairly.
The MLA assured action on this matter. He will raise the issue with state government. Moreover, Roy plans to approach central government officials. BCCL and DGMS operate under Government of India.
Central government allocated approximately Rs 9,000 crore for rehabilitation. Authorities also attempted fire extinguishing operations earlier. However, current conditions demand serious attention from Delhi. Roy stressed that immediate intervention remains necessary.
Mining has continued for over 110 years. The region developed around coal extraction activities. On the other hand, safety norms were consistently ignored. Sand filling requirements were never properly implemented.
Walls at mine mouths proved inadequate containment measures. Gas accumulated in underground chambers over decades. Besides, pressure built up without any release mechanism. The situation finally resulted in surface eruptions.
Local families lived above abandoned mine workings. They had no information about underground dangers. In addition, authorities never warned residents properly. The gas leak caught everyone by surprise.
Survey teams are now assessing the affected area. Technical experts examine underground coal fire connections. Meanwhile, residents demand permanent solutions instead of temporary measures. The crisis requires comprehensive scientific intervention approaches.
