SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, March 12: Former Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) chairman cum social activist of Dhanbad Bijay Jha has urged the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) New Delhi to immediately check illegal coal mining that has put the lives of thousands of people at stake.
Jha in his letter to CVC has written that despite repeated incidents, illegal mining is being done on large scale in the region that has imposed danger to Katras township and the area might be caved in any time if it is not checked immediately.
Former BIADA chairman has pointed out that several entry points have been opened in Katras Pachgarhi Bazaar, Ramkanali, Keshalpur, Lakarka, Katras, Chaitudih and other places for illegal mining in Area-4 of Bharat Coking Coal Limited. If it is not checked Nirsa Kapasara mines of Eastern Coalfield Limited (ECL) like mishap would happen in Katras of Baghmara block too.
On February 1, at least five people including women died in a mines mishap during illegal mining (though district administration claimed they were picking up coal) in Kapasara colliery.
No doubt district administration and coal companies fill up the entry points of illegal mining but one week later coal thieves again opened new entry points for mining. Since Katras township is stood on coal pillars, it may cave in any time as coal thieves are cutting the pillars also.
This is the second time a social activist of Dhanbad has complaint central government agency regarding illegal mining. Last month an activist of Sindri had complaint National Child Rights Protection Commission for the involvement of Children in illegal mining. The Commission has sought reports from the district administration.
Last month independent MLA Saryu Roy too had visited Katras for an on-spot assessment of illegal mining and had urged the state government for initiating strong steps for the safety of people facing danger from it.
Jha has also sent a copy of the letter to the Coal India chairman, Chief vigilance officer Kolkata, chairman cum managing director of BCCL, DIG Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Chief Secretary Jharkhand, deputy commissioner, senior superintendent of police and Directorate General of Mines Safety.
