Gas Emission Incident at Kenduadih Colliery (PB Area), Dhanbad

BCCL management is closely monitoring and managing the reported gas emission incident in the fire and subsidence zone of Rajput Basti located in Kenduadih Colliery (PB Area). Since the detection of elevated CO levels on 03 December 2025, BCCL has been in full emergency response mode, deploying rescue, medical, and technical teams round-the-clock to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of residents.

To provide immediate medical assistance, continuous monitoring, and sustained support to the affected residents, BCCL has constituted a special Task Force.

The Task Force is responsible for:

• Providing essential medical care, psychological support, and family counseling.

• Regular visits to Regional Hospital, Kustore, to monitor the health condition of all admitted patients.

Daily activity and action-taken reports are being submitted to Director (M&S), TS to CMD, and CMO I/c, CHD.

As of today (05 December 2025):

• 1 patient has been admitted to Central Hospital, Dhanbad (CHD).

• 10 patients have been admitted to Kustore Regional Hospital.

• One rescue van has been deployed at Kenduadih.

• Four ambulances with paramedical staff continue to remain stationed at the site.

BCCL CMD, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, visited the gas-affected areas of Rajput Basti today. He was accompanied by Director (M&S) Shri M.K. Ramaiya, Director (Technical) P&P Shri Niladri Roy, and other officials from the headquarters and the area.

Following the site visit, a joint meeting was held at Kenduadih Police Station with District Administration officials. Those present included Shri Aditya Ranjan, DC Dhanbad; Shri Prabhat Kumar, SSP; Shri Rajesh Kumar, SDM; and other senior administrative officers. Technical experts from IIT (ISM) and DGMS also attended. The officials interacted with the affected families and provided the necessary guidance and support.

The CMD later visited the PB Area Office, where he reviewed the preparedness related to the existing situation, including medical arrangements, emergency logistics, and technical support. He also met with families shifted from the danger zone to temporary shelters, interacted with women and children, and assured them of full support.

The CMD has directed the Area Management to immediately ensure proper heating arrangements and all essential facilities at the temporary shelters. To support the families and ensure their comfort and safety, BCCL has deployed a team of officers to stay overnight at the shelter—an initiative that, as noted in the official Area Inspection Report, has been positively received by the residents.

Scientific teams briefed the residents on the technical nature of the gas emission, associated risks, and clarified that no short-term engineering solution is feasible. They emphasized that relocation to a safer area is the only immediate and safe option.

The CMD of BCCL inspected the temporary shelter built for the gas-affected residents.

• Several BCCL officers were present during the inspection.

• Instructions were issued to upgrade the shelter, provide adequate blankets, and ensure all necessary arrangements for safe and comfortable living.

CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal is personally present in the area even during the night, continuously reviewing all arrangements. He is conducting on-ground inspections of medical services, relief operations, monitoring systems, and temporary accommodation facilities to ensure that all affected families receive every essential assistance without delay. His direct supervision has accelerated relief and rehabilitation efforts and significantly strengthened safety measures.