ANGUL | Feb 07, 2017: The State Government on Monday reviewed sand filling and reclamation works of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) in its mines in Angul and Jharsuguda districts. Angul Collector is learnt to have written to the Chief Secretary on the situation at Talcher. Chief Secretary AP Padhi took stock of the situation through video conference in presence of Secretary R Sharma, Angul Collector and his Jharsuguda counterpart. MCL Director (operation) JP Singh presented the works undertaken by the company in the two coalfields. Director of Mines Safety (DMS) R Subramanium was also present.

According official sources, two closed underground mines Deulbeda and Handhidhua were reviewed. Padhi had ordered MCL to complete sand stowing in the two mines within three years. MCL assured the Government to complete within five years.

The two underground mines at Talcher which produced A grade coal have been closed several years back.

The Chief Secretary also directed MCL to work on the reclamation of old opencast mines and asked the DMS to be very careful so as to avoid any human causality.

(Source: http://www.newindianexpress.com/)