New Delhi: Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has initiated precautionary safety measures at Khandra Colliery under its Bankola Area following the observation of surface cracks and subsidence near Nilkanth Temple, with the company prioritising the safety of its employees and surrounding areas.
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The surface cracks and subsidence were observed on July 28, 2026, in an area where several unauthorised structures and illegal occupants are present. According to ECL, the presence of such structures has restricted effective surface filling in the affected area, potentially allowing air ingress into underground workings and aggravating spontaneous heating conditions in the zone.
As a preventive measure, ECL has initiated sealing of the mine from the surface to prevent any deterioration of underground conditions. The work is being undertaken in consultation with and under the technical guidance of N. Sahay, former Chief Scientist at CSIR-CIMFR, along with ECL’s General Manager (Safety & Rescue). The sealing work is being supervised by ECL’s Mines Rescue Team.
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The company said the situation is being continuously monitored and necessary safety measures are being undertaken based on expert advice, technical assessment and established mine-safety practices.
ECL also clarified that there is currently no circumstantial evidence or mine-air analysis report establishing the occurrence of any explosion or air blast in the underground workings, contrary to certain media reports.
The company further said reports describing the mine as “critically hazardous” and stating that it would remain sealed for three months are not factually established at this stage. The duration of sealing and the decision on reopening will depend on environmental and underground conditions assessed through technical monitoring and expert evaluation. Consequently, the sealing period could be shorter than three months, depending on prevailing conditions.
ECL is also assessing operational and manpower requirements arising from the precautionary measures. For the time being, existing manpower will be suitably deployed either in another unit of the same mine or in neighbouring mines, depending on operational requirements.
The company confirmed that the precautionary measures will not disrupt existing water and electricity supplies to residential quarters.
ECL said the measures are purely preventive and proactive in nature and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding employees and the surrounding area through continuous monitoring, technical assessment and expert guidance.
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