ECL takes proactive safety measures at Khandra Colliery, Bankola Area

Asansol, Sep 1: Eastern Coalfields Limited has initiated precautionary safety measures at Khandra Colliery under Bankola Area following the observation of surface cracks/subsidence near Nilkanth Temple, with the safety of its employees and surrounding areas accorded the highest priority.

 

The surface cracks/subsidence were observed on July 28, 2026, in an area where a number of unauthorised structures and illegal occupants are present. The presence of such structures has restricted effective surface filling in the affected area, thereby creating the possibility of air ingress into the underground workings, which may aggravate spontaneous heating conditions in the affected zone.

 

As a proactive measure to prevent any deterioration of underground conditions and to ensure the safety of its employees, ECL has decided to undertake sealing of the mine from the surface. The precautionary measure has been initiated in consultation with and under the technical guidance of Shri N. Sahay, former Chief Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR, along with the General Manager, ECL. The work is being carried out under the supervision of ECL's Mines Rescue Team.

 

The situation is being continuously monitored, and all necessary safety measures are being undertaken in accordance with expert advice, technical assessment and established mine-safety practices.

 

With regard to certain media reports referring to an explosion/air blast in the underground workings, ECL clarifies that no circumstantial evidence or mine-air analysis report presently establishes the occurrence of any explosion or air blast in the mine.

 

Similarly, reports describing the mine as “critically hazardous” and stating that the mine would remain sealed for three months are not factually established at this stage. The duration of sealing and the decision regarding reopening will depend upon the prevailing environmental and underground conditions, as assessed through technical monitoring and expert evaluation. The period may therefore be less than three months, depending upon the conditions prevailing at the mine.

 

ECL is also assessing the operational and manpower requirements arising from this precautionary action. It is confirmed that, for the time being, the existing manpower will be suitably deployed either in another unit of the same mine or in neighbouring mines, as per operational requirements.

 

ECL further confirms that there will be no disruption to the existing water and electricity supply to residential quarters on account of the precautionary measures.

 

The measures have been initiated purely as a preventive and proactive safety intervention. ECL remains committed to safeguarding its employees and the surrounding area and will continue to take all necessary steps based on technical assessment, continuous monitoring and expert guidance.