Newz Desk, Durgapur: Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has initiated precautionary safety measures at Khandra Colliery under its Bankola Area following the detection of surface cracks and subsidence near Nilkanth Temple. The company said the measures have been taken as a proactive step to protect its employees and surrounding areas.
According to ECL, the surface cracks and subsidence were first observed on July 28, 2026, in an area where several unauthorised structures and illegal occupants are present. The presence of these structures has restricted effective surface filling in the affected zone, potentially allowing air ingress into the underground workings. ECL said such air ingress could aggravate spontaneous heating conditions underground. To prevent any deterioration in underground conditions, the company has decided to undertake sealing of the mine from the surface.
The sealing operation is being carried out in consultation with and under the technical guidance of Shri N. Sahay, former Chief Scientist of CSIR-CIMFR, along with ECL’s General Manager (Safety & Rescue). The work is being supervised by the company’s Mines Rescue Team.
ECL said the situation is being continuously monitored and all necessary safety measures are being implemented based on technical assessments, expert advice and established mine-safety practices.
No evidence of explosion or air blast, says ECL
Addressing reports suggesting that an explosion or air blast had occurred in the underground workings, ECL clarified that there is currently no circumstantial evidence or mine-air analysis report establishing the occurrence of any such incident. The company also rejected descriptions of the mine as “critically hazardous” and reports that the mine would necessarily remain sealed for three months.
According to ECL, the duration of the sealing operation and any decision on reopening the mine will depend on underground and environmental conditions. These will be assessed through continuous technical monitoring and expert evaluation. The sealing period could therefore be shorter than three months if conditions permit.
Workers to be redeployed
ECL is also assessing the operational and manpower requirements arising from the precautionary measures. The company said existing manpower will, for the time being, be suitably deployed either in another unit of the same mine or in neighbouring mines, depending on operational requirements. The company further clarified that the precautionary measures will not affect the existing water and electricity supply to residential quarters.
ECL stressed that the mine-sealing exercise is purely a preventive and proactive safety intervention. The company said it would continue to monitor the situation closely and take further decisions based on technical assessments, expert guidance and prevailing underground conditions.
The development comes amid concerns over surface stability and underground safety in the affected area, with ECL maintaining that employee safety and protection of the surrounding area remain its highest priorities.
