Nagpur | Nov 28, 2017:
A 45-year old worker was killed as he got buried under a heap of coal which fell from a height of 45 feet in Telwasa open cast mine in Majri Sub-Area of Chandrapur district while two others were injured. Due to “high wall” level of the mine, the DGMS (Directorate General of Mines Safety) had enforced Section-22 a few months ago and directed WCL to close the mine. But still flouting all the rules the WCL administration went ahead with coal production.
According to report, the deceased Nersu Jha was working in the mine along with other workers when suddenly a heap of coal fell under which he got buried. The two other workers also received injuries. At the time of this incident 500 workers were working there in then mine. After DGMS directives and looking to the dangerous situation, hundreds workers employed here, had demanded appropriate safety measures to which the WCL administration conveniently turned a deaf ear and continued with the excavation work.
A blast was carried out in the mine on Friday night. Before the mud was removed from the place the work of coal production began and this tragedy took place. Just, two weeks back a worker named Sharma was injured in another accident. Though the WCL observes safety week every year yet the WCL administration does bother follow the safety measures.
It may be mentioned that the entire responsibility of the incident lies on Manager Mines, WCL CMD. Since all the active unions are silent that proves they are with the management. The workers here have demanded that the Coal ministry should take up the issue and carry out the inquiry through a separate inquiry committee. All the officers responsible for the incident should be suspended. The ministry should also make proper arrangements of safety and till then close the mine.
(Source: http://www.nagpurtoday.in/)