Safety in the pits

CALAMITIES IN COAL mines have recurred in the Dhanbad belt highlighting the basic problem of a callous attitude to mine safety. At least 21 persons were killed in two mine accidents, bringing into question the mine-safety methods adopted in the country's coal belt. While nine miners continue to remain trapped in the bowels of Bagdigi for over a week, it was the sheer reflex to run for their lives that saved 113 miners in Katras-Chaitudih, where one person was trapped and died. That there was a lone survivor in Bagdigi must be taken as a semblance of hope and the search must go on. That both the accidents were caused by explosives during blasting operations points to the failure to factor-in safety when intervening with natural formations. To begin with, the inundation of the two mines should have been prevented. Specifically so in Bagdigi, where managers were forewarned by miners for a week. Second, disaster management in Bagdigi has been shoddy, reflecting an appalling sluggishness in responding to tragedies when every passing minute matters. Moreover, that the mines were inaccurately mapped is testimony to the utter disregard of basic concepts of excavation. Yet another factor that was ignored is that over the years the mines of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) - to which both the affected mines belong - have accounted for a higher number of persons killed in accidents. Last week's accidents are proof that the lessons from the inundation of the BCCL's Gaslitand mines in 1995, which claimed the lives of 64 miners, have not been learnt.

Though crucial for industrialisation, coal mining is among the least-preferred professions, even in developed nations. That the then Minister of State for Coal, Mr. N. T. Shanmugam, focussed more on coalition politics than on showing concern for the trapped Bagdigi miners indicated Ministerial insensitiveness. The announcement by the newly-appointed Minister, Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain, of an inquiry is along mandated lines. Rather than attempt to shift the blame, it is important that responsibility be fixed for the mistake and those proved guilty be punished. The dismal work conditions of the Indian coal worker, who is traumatised every time he has to run for his life to escape the consequences of nature's fury over a miscalculation, needs to be addressed. Techniques to prevent roof and wall collapse have been developed across the international mining industry. Adopting such systems from the expertise available gains urgency. Such technical issues apart, it is imperative that ensuring safety in mines is not left to the managements alone. It is time that the various tripartite committees constituted at the company-level take a more pro-active role on issues related to safety.

Human interaction with earthbound systems - either mines or dams - necessitates adequate planning and appropriate backup systems. Inundation apart, miners stand exposed to gruesome accidents caused by fires or wall and roof collapses. With advances in technology, it is important that miners are less exposed to hazardous conditions, which can be done by mechanisation and modernisation, along with continuing with efforts at induction of capital-intensive techniques. Modernisation of coal mines and closing down potentially dangerous mines before they become labyrinths of death should be accorded top priority. The official acceptance of the lack of accurate maps of the affected mines reflects a basic, but colossal, negligence. The startling admission that the Directorate-General of Mine Safety is constrained by resources to carry out detailed checks of mines, should be viewed as a serious affliction. To prevent a recurrence of an event like Bagdigi, it is imperative that the very concept of industrial safety is expanded from that of being management or Government-centric to a pro-active engagement of the labour and the local population as well.

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