Rehabilitation Only Viable Option Amid Severe Land Subsidence, Gas Emissions in Kenduadih: BCCL CMD
Technical experts from Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, PMRC, and SIMFAR presented a detailed assessment of the situation in Tandabari and Kenduadih areas
A high-level review meeting held at Koyla Bhawan has concluded that immediate rehabilitation and relocation of residents is the only safe solution to the alarming land subsidence and toxic gas emissions in the Kenduadih area of Dhanbad.
The meeting was chaired by Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bharat Coking Coal Limited, and attended by senior officials including directors, general managers, and technical experts.
Experts Flag Serious Risk to Life and Property
Technical experts from Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, PMRC, and SIMFAR presented a detailed assessment of the situation in Tandabari and Kenduadih areas, particularly near the old GM bungalow along the old NH-32 (Godhar–Putki Road).
Experts highlighted that:
- Continuous toxic gas emissions and land subsidence have made the area extremely hazardous
- Despite multiple interventions, including nitrogen flushing, no effective mitigation has been achieved
- The situation remains highly unstable and unpredictable
They unanimously recommended that relocation of all affected families is the only practical and safe course of action.
NH-32 Reopening Deemed Unsafe
Experts also cautioned against reopening the affected stretch of NH-32, stating that doing so could trigger a major accident due to unstable ground conditions.
Safety of Residents Top Priority: CMD
Addressing the meeting, CMD Agarwal emphasized that BCCL has taken all possible safety measures and continues to monitor the situation closely. However, he acknowledged that:
“Despite all technical efforts, the situation remains critical. Safety of human life is our top priority, and under such conditions, no risk can be taken.”
He reiterated that BCCL will proceed with prompt, safe, and systematic rehabilitation of residents in coordination with the state government and relevant agencies.
Continuous Monitoring and Action Plan
The meeting concluded with a decision to:
- Maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the affected zone
- Develop a comprehensive action plan based on expert inputs
- Ensure timely execution of rehabilitation measures
