The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has initiated preparatory arrangements to recommence coal production in its eight decade old 21 incline underground coal mine, which got a new lease of life following the State Government’s reported nod to extend its life for a few more years, in the coal town of Yellandu.
Coal production in the 21 incline mine of the British period was suspended by the company management in March this year citing some issues pertaining to “workplace safety.”
The move drew flak from various trade unions which insisted that the decades old coal mine in Yellandu, the birth place of the Singareni collieries, should be continued to tap the “abundant” coal deposits in adherence to safety precautions to retain the past glory of the coal town. Major trade unions have organised a series of protest programmes in the coal town earlier this year opposing the SCCL’s alleged move to shut the underground mine.
The elected representatives concerned have successfully prevailed upon the State government to extend the life of the 21 incline mine for a few more years to protect the interests of workmen on rolls in the underground mine and also to preserve the chequered legacy of Yellandu.
The management of the State-owned SCCL has reportedly decided to restart coal production in the 21 incline mine in a few days, SCCL sources said.
Squads comprising safety experts and rescue team personnel will be pressed into service to assess the condition of ventilation circuits and compliance of the mandatory safety standards in the 21 incline mine on Wednesday before recommencing the coal mining in the underground mine.
