English
English
English
Following the December 3 gas emission incident in Kenduadih, coal ministry and BCCL leaders review relief and rescue measures, emphasizing immediate evacuation and long-term rehabilitation to protect residents from escalating hazards.
BCCL and government departments tasked with coordinated rehabilitation.
Dhanbad: A review meeting was held today at Coal Bhawan headquarters to discuss the ongoing gas emission in the Kenduadih area. The meeting was chaired by Coal Ministry Additional Secretary cum Coal India Chairman, Sanoj Kumar Jha, and attended by BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agrawal, Coal India Technical Director Achyut Ghatak, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan, SSP Prabhat Kumar, ED Coordination Alok Lalit Kumar, BCCL directors, regional managers, departmental heads, and other senior officials. Technical experts from SIMFER, IIT-ISM, and PMRC were also present to provide scientific insights.
Immediate Relief and Long-Term Measures
Chairman Sanoj Kumar Jha highlighted the commendable work done by BCCL in the immediate aftermath of the December 3 incident, including the setup of temporary relief camps, deployment of medical task forces, and enhancement of healthcare resources. However, he emphasized that due to the extreme severity of the situation, evacuating the area remains the only viable long-term solution. Authorities were instructed to coordinate efforts for relocating affected families to safer zones such as Karmatand and Belgaudia.
BCCL Intensifies 24×7 Monitoring and Relief Operations in Kenduadih Gas Leak Zone
Dangerous Gas Levels Confirmed
BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agrawal stated that gas emission levels in several parts of Kenduadih have reached dangerously high levels, making the area uninhabitable. He described the situation as comparable to a disaster scenario and noted that the current interventions are only short-term fixes. Experts in attendance confirmed that ongoing analyses indicate the situation could worsen and become more hazardous or potentially explosive, stressing the need for immediate and complete evacuation.
Scientific Insights and Technical Analysis
Technical experts from institutions including SIMFER, IIT-ISM, and PMRC presented their analytical findings during the meeting. The studies detailed gas emission levels, rising temperatures, and subsidence trends, highlighting the urgent need for evacuation. The experts emphasized that relocating residents is a critical step to prevent any loss of life or property in the future.
2 dead, several in hospital after ‘toxic gas leak’ in Jharkhand; Full story here
On-Site Inspection and Relief Review
Earlier in the morning, Chairman Sanoj Kumar Jha visited Dhanbad and conducted an on-site inspection of the affected areas along with BCCL officials. He reviewed the progress of relief and rescue operations, met medical teams, and examined facilities provided to victims, including food, shelter, and healthcare. He also visited the Kushtaur Regional Hospital, interacting with patients in the women’s ward to assess ongoing treatment and available medical support. CMD Manoj Kumar Agrawal and other senior officials accompanied him.
Coordinated Efforts Underway
Authorities and technical teams have been instructed to continue close coordination, ensuring timely evacuation and rehabilitation. Relief measures, monitoring of gas levels, and scientific evaluations remain ongoing. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to the safety and well-being of affected residents, emphasizing that evacuation and relocation are essential to prevent future hazards in the Kenduadih region.
