Newz Desk, Durgapur: A powerful air blast shook the Siduli Colliery under the Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)’s Kenda Area on Monday morning, triggering panic among residents living close to the mine. The intensity of the blast was so high that the ground reportedly shook in the adjoining Bauri Para and Majhi Para areas. Fortunately, the incident occurred during the night shift when regular mining operations were not underway and only maintenance work was being carried out inside the mine. Two workers who were present at the site at the time were rescued promptly and sent to a hospital for medical examination. No major injuries have been reported so far.
Residents, however, said the incident could have resulted in a major tragedy had it occurred during normal working hours, when a larger number of workers would have been present inside the mine. According to preliminary information, a large quantity of water had seeped into the underground workings from the abandoned Shankarpur Open Cast Project and old mine workings. The accumulation and subsequent pressure of the water underground is suspected to have triggered the powerful air blast.
The sudden blast caused considerable concern among workers and local residents, with the incident raising fresh questions over the safety of underground mining operations in the area, particularly in connection with water ingress from abandoned and old mine workings.
Senior ECL officials rushed to the colliery soon after receiving information about the incident. The entire colliery premises were subsequently cordoned off as a precautionary measure, while officials began assessing the situation and the possible impact of the blast on underground operations. The Siduli Colliery has around 550 workers and produces an average of nearly 220 tonnes of coal every day. The incident has now cast uncertainty over the future of mining operations at the colliery and intensified concerns over the safety of workers employed there.
While a detailed assessment is awaited, officials are expected to examine the extent of water ingress, the condition of the underground workings and the possible structural impact of the blast before taking a decision on the resumption of normal operations.
For residents living around the colliery, Monday’s incident has once again brought the risks associated with underground mining and abandoned mine workings to the forefront. The immediate priority, according to local residents, is to ensure that adequate safety measures are put in place before mining activities are allowed to return to normal.
