BCCL Maintains 24×7 Vigil and Scientific Monitoring in Kenduadih Gas-Affected Zone: CMD leads from the front

Heroes are not only “Reel Time” – there are some “Real Time” ones also who lead from the front and one such persons is perhaps – CMD BCCL – Manoj Kumar Agarwal. Right from the fateful day of the gas leak mishap, he has been on the ground rather than giving the responsibility of rescue and relief operation to someone else in his team.

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has intensified its emergency response and scientific monitoring efforts following the gas emission incident reported on the morning of December 3, 2025, at Rajput Basti, part of the recognised fire and subsidence zone of the Kenduadih Colliery (PB Area).

Preliminary technical assessments indicate that the gas emission originated from abandoned underground galleries where sealed historical workings had trapped residual gases. These gases appear to have migrated to the surface through cracks and subsidence fractures. A Mine Rescue Station (MRS) survey detected carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations above permissible limits inside several households.

44 residents affected; majority discharged

A total of 44 residents reported symptoms including mild headache, chest discomfort and respiratory irritation. Of them, 37 individuals have been discharged after treatment and 7 continue to receive medical care.

As a precaution, residents from around 45 households were advised to move to temporary shelters arranged by BCCL. On the night of December 7, about 300 individuals were provided meals, and 36 stayed overnight. Shelter facilities will continue until environmental conditions stabilise or rehabilitation arrangements under the Jharia Master Plan are finalised.

Round-the-clock gas monitoring

BCCL is conducting continuous atmospheric monitoring across multiple sites such as:

• Old GM Bungalow

• Rajput Basti residential clusters

• Masjid area

• Septic tank area near Dhaura

• Some locations continue to record CO levels significantly above permissible safety limits, underscoring the need for sustained evacuation and monitoring.

Comprehensive rescue and relief operations

BCCL has activated a high-level emergency framework including:

• Temporary shelters with food, medical and sanitation facilities for 90 persons

• Two additional shelters, each with 200-person capacity

• Permanent deployment of two rescue teams from MRS Dhansar

• Controlled dilution of gases through mobile fogging and water spraying

24×7 control rooms at site and BCCL Headquarters

• Public announcements alerting residents about potential hazards

• Extensive medical preparedness

Medical arrangements include:

• 30 beds at Kustore Regional Hospital

• 20 beds at Moonidih Regional Hospital

• 399 beds at Central Hospital, Dhanbad

• Six ambulances with oxygen support and medical teams stationed round-the-clock

• A dedicated task force of four doctors deployed for continuous medical services

• A medical camp functioning at the affected site

• Scientific investigation and long-term stabilisation

BCCL has engaged premier institutions such as IIT-ISM, CIMFR, and CMPDIL (RI-II, Dhanbad) for:

• Gas sampling

• Geo-technical mapping

• Subsidence assessment

• Surface sealing

• Soil blanketing

• Controlled drilling to vent trapped gases

Senior leadership oversight

BCCL CMD Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal inspected the affected area on December 5, interacted with families and reviewed shelter arrangements, especially heating requirements for winter conditions.

The Director (Technical), CIL, conducted a night inspection between December 5–6 to review on-ground conditions.

A District Enquiry Committee also visited the site; its report is awaited.

Rehabilitation under Jharia Master Plan

To move families to safe zones, two buses carrying over 90 affected persons visited Belgaria and Karmatand townships. While most families responded positively, some reservations were noted.

Attempts by JRDA and BCCL to set up a joint documentation and relocation camp were hindered due to local resistance.

Land status and legal position

BCCL reiterated that Rajput Basti lies within a declared fire and subsidence zone—an area inherently prone to gas emissions due to underground coal seam fires.

Legal proceedings for evacuation have been ongoing since 2006. As of December 2025, no private claimant remains before the Court, and the land is legally and operationally held by BCCL.

CMD’s statement

“This is an extremely sensitive and challenging situation, and our foremost responsibility remains the safety, health and dignity of every affected family,” said Shri Manoj Kumar Agarwal, CMD, BCCL.

“Our teams have been working tirelessly since the first moment, combining immediate relief with long-term scientific intervention and rehabilitation under the Jharia Master Plan. We will continue full support until the situation is stabilised and families are safely rehabilitated.”

Editor’s Note

Yes, a gas leak has occurred, and the same story could have easily been framed with harsh criticism or alarm. However, the need of the hour is not to create panic or single out any individual or organisation. What matters most today is acknowledging the swift, coordinated and sincere efforts undertaken by the top management of BCCL to safeguard lives, provide relief, and stabilise the situation. The focus must remain on ensuring safety, supporting affected families, and recognising the positive actions taken in a challenging and sensitive environment.

We Report, You Decide …