Nagpur | Dec 20, 2016: An image of a coal mine, as propagated by movies, conjures images of barefoot labourers tortured to work in blazing sun; and of resources being exploited. But, in reality it is not as grim as it is shown in movies.
To raise awareness about the importance of coal mining, which forms backbone for most industries, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and Western Coalfields Limited have entered into a unique agreement. Tourists will now be allowed to visit the depth of a WCL coal mine in Saoner, tour an eco-park and visit the open cast mine in Gondegaon.
In a first of its kind initiative in the country, the tourists will be taken inside Saoner Underground Mine No. 1 up to 1.5km from its entrance. It is located about 37km from the city. A unique man riding system will take the tourists inside and WCL guide will facilitate this trip, taking them about 100m down from the ground surface. TOI got special permission for photography inside the mines. "The idea is to educate people on how coal mining is done," said DM Gokhale, AGM of WCL Nagpur.
According to the five-year MoU signed between KH Govindraj, managing director of MTDC and Rajiv Mishra, MD of WCL, the tourism facilities for visitors, bookings and marketing of the concept will be done by MTDC. The underground mine tour may remain closed during rainy season (from June to September) due to the water accumulation and increase in risks. "WCL reserves the right to deny visitors according to the appropriateness of weather and conditions in the mine," said Ashish Tayal, deputy PRO of WCL Nagpur.
Children below 18 years are not allowed inside the underground mine. Entry to the mine will also be subject to health and fitness parameters set by WCL. According to the initial itinerary planned by MTDC, the day tour will start at 9.30am from MTDC office, Civil Lines.
The sprawling eco park of WCL, spread across six hectares, has live science models made of metal junk. It also offers various herbal plants and safari through a toy train passing through models of mining galleries. The park was appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his radio show, 'Mann Ki Baat', in March this year.
MTDC can also customize packages to include stays at their resort in Nagpur and Sillari Pench. "Initially, we're focusing on day tours during weekends. According to the response, we can be flexible with timings and can also customize packages," said Hanumant Hede, senior regional manager, MTDC Nagpur.
For now, MTDC has decided to charge Rs650 for the day tour. It will include transportation charges, safety gears given at the start of mine tour and lunch at WCL guesthouse.
(Source: http://energy.economictimes.indiatimes.com/)