SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Dec 5: Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Aditya Ranjan has ordered a detailed inquiry into the toxic gas leakage incidents reported from the Putki Balihari Colliery Area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). He also directed officials to immediately relocate residents living in the affected zones to safer locations.
Two Dead, Several Ill as Carbon Monoxide Leaks From Closed Mines
The situation turned alarming on Wednesday after dangerous levels of carbon monoxide leaked from abandoned mines in the Kenduadih area of the colliery, leading to the deaths of two women and leaving more than a dozen people seriously ill.
Taking serious note of the incident, the DC chaired an emergency meeting with officials from BCCL, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), the Health Department, Disaster Management and the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA).
He instructed that all residents living in hazardous zones must be shifted without delay, estimating that over 1,000 families will need relocation.
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DC Cites Lapses in Rescue Efforts, Orders High-Level Probe
During the meeting, DC Ranjan reviewed the cause of the gas leak, measures to detect and prevent further leakage and the legal implications of the deaths.
He noted that although BCCL, district administration and local police had initiated a rescue operation promptly upon receiving information, “a lack of sincerity” was observed in the response.
He added that poor coordination between BCCL and concerned agencies further hampered the operation.
To ensure accountability, the DC constituted a probe committee to assess the circumstances of the incident, identify lapses and recommend preventive steps. “The committee will investigate whose negligence led to the casualties. Strict action will be taken on the basis of the report,” he said.
The inquiry will be conducted under the Mines Act, 1952, and Disaster Management Regulation, 2025.
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Tent City to Be Set Up; Medical Teams Deployed
The DC directed the General Manager of BCCL’s Putki Balihari Area to immediately set up a tent city and shift affected families there.
He instructed officials to provide all essential amenities, including food, blankets and other necessities, to the displaced residents. Medical teams and ambulances have been stationed in the area to handle any emergency situations.
Senior Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Alok Vishwakarma, Disaster Management Officer Sanjay Jha and senior BCCL officials attended the meeting.
