SC concern over handling of fires in coal mines
16 Jan, 2008, 2129 hrs IST, PTI
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today expressed serious concern over the
tardy progress in handling the likely consequences of the fires and
subsidence of earth in the coal mining areas of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The court was hearing a PIL filed in 1997 highlighting that underground
fires in the coal mines of Jharia and Raniganj were spreading and may lead
to disasters.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan noted that despite reports
by the committee appointed by the apex court in respect of mines under the
control of Bharat Coking Coals Ltd and Eastern Coalfields Ltd, no serious
steps have been taken either for relief and rehabilitation of residents in
the affected area or for controlling the fires.
The counsel, who was assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the matter,
suggested constituting a high-level committee involving the Director
General, Mines Safety, Chairmen BCCL and ECL along with technical experts.
Taking note of the submission, the Bench asked Additional Solicitor General
Vikas Singh to apprise it about the Centre's view on the suggestion within
eight weeks.
It also asked the ASG to respond to concerns about the safety of railway
track and oil pipelines passing near to these areas.
The Bench said the issue of railway track was brought to the notice of the
Railway Board Chairman some years ago for taking immediate steps.
The Bench, also comprising Justices R V Raveendran and J M Panchal,
expressed displeasure that neither Jharkhand nor West Bengal government had
responded to the Master Plan prepared by the Coal India Ltd to address the
concerns arising out of the fires in the mines.
economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-2705879,prtpage-1.cms
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Jharkhand News
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Jharkhand Online Network
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