Question : DEATH OF MINERS

(a) whether a number of miners were killed and several trapped underground when an illegal coal pit caved on 27th January, 2000 at Benali incline of ECL;

(b) if so, whether the incident took place due to rampant illegal coal extraction in the abandoned mine;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the number of death toll in the said incident so far;

(e) whether the required precautionary measures were taken in the abandoned mine by ECL; and

(f) if not, the step being taken against the erring management of ECL?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINES & MINERALS

(SMT. RITA VERMA)

(a): No. Sir.

(b): The subsidence took place due to illegal mining by making a number of well type pits in the out crop region and not through any abandoned incline or pit of ECL.

(c): An area about 15M X 18M east of ECL residential complex and Benali VTC subsided at about 9.30 A.M. on 26.1.2000. The spot was dozed in presence of local police. Information of the incidence was sent to DGMS and other senior officers of local government administration.

(d): Nil.

(e): Immediately after abandonment of Benali incline precautionary measure in form of extensive dozing was done to seal exposed coal faces. FIRs on regular basis were lodged with the local police with information to district authorities whenever incidence of illegal mining came to light, dozing had been resorted thereafter.

(f): Question does not arise.