BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agrawal Inspects Bastacolla Mines, Focuses on Production Boost and Monsoon Preparedness

The Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Mr. Manoj Kumar Agrawal, conducted a comprehensive inspection of various mines in the Bastacolla Area today. During the visit, he laid special emphasis on enhancing production, strengthening operational efficiency, and ensuring robust pre-monsoon preparedness. Director (Technical/Operations), Mr. Sanjay Kumar Singh, was also present on the occasion.

Senior officials from the Koyla Bhawan headquarters, including General Managers of Coordination, Estate, ENM, CMC, Civil Industrial, HOD (P&P), TS to CMD, along with other officers, participated in the inspection. From the Bastacolla Area, the General Manager, area officials, and contractor representatives were also present.

The CMD began his visit at the Rajapur Open Cast Project (OCP), where he reviewed the progress of the currently operating hired HEMM patch and assessed preparations for the early operationalization of the Rajapur Highwall Project. He also reviewed the mine’s dewatering system and instructed officials to ensure its continuous effectiveness. The Project Officer informed that a pumping capacity of 8000 gallons per minute has been installed, which is adequate for the current water inflow.

Considering the upcoming monsoon, the CMD directed that the water levels in the interconnected Rajapur and Dobari sumps be properly assessed, and adequate pumping capacity be installed in advance to ensure efficient dewatering. He also instructed a thorough assessment of potential water inflow from Chatkari Jore and evaluation of recirculation of pumped water. Additionally, he emphasized exploring diversion and lining of nearby streams/nalas to control water ingress into the mine.

During the production review, it was informed that approximately 0.2 million tonnes of coal remains in the current hired HEMM patch, while another potential patch with around 0.5 million tonnes of coal has been identified in nearby process land. The CMD directed officials to resolve related issues promptly through effective coordination and to identify additional potential patches. He further noted that about 20 million tonnes of coal reserves are still available in the leasehold area of Rajapur OCP, indicating strong future production potential.

Subsequently, he inspected the Amalgamated Berra-Dobari-Kuyya-Ghanudih Colliery and instructed the Project Officer to prepare a comprehensive plan to achieve a coal production target of 2.1 million tonnes for FY 2026–27 through multiple patches.

The CMD also visited a cowshed (gaushala) located within the leasehold area of Bastacolla Colliery, which is impacting the operations of Bastacolla OCP-II and is associated with approximately 2.5 million tonnes of coal reserves. During the visit, he held a constructive dialogue with members of the gaushala management committee.

Officials informed that post-relocation of the gaushala, Bastacolla OCP-II could achieve its full Environmental Clearance (EC) capacity of 3.0 million tonnes in FY 2026–27; otherwise, production may remain limited to around 2.5 million tonnes. It was also shared that an alternative site near Baliapur has been identified, and efforts are underway to expedite the relocation process.

The CMD directed both the Bastacolla management and the gaushala committee to work collaboratively and ensure an early resolution through mutual coordination and dialogue, maintaining a balance between company objectives and local interests.

This visit marks a significant and positive step towards strengthening BCCL’s production capacity, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring safe and sustainable mining operations.