Land Subsidence in Talcher Raises Fresh Questions Over MCL Mine Safety
Talcher – Talcher MLA Braja Kishore Pradhan on Sunday strongly criticized Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) for its alleged arbitrary functioning and negligence towards local residents. Speaking at the inauguration of the Ghantapada overbridge in Talcher, the MLA accused MCL of ignoring public safety and failing to properly fill sand in abandoned underground coal mines.
He warned that MCL’s alleged evasive approach to proper sand filling in underground mines could pose a serious threat to the Talcher region and urged the authorities to take immediate corrective steps.
Within four days of the MLA’s statement, his concerns appeared to have been validated when land subsidence occurred behind the Handidhua area, creating a pit nearly 10 feet wide. The incident reportedly took place due to inadequate sand filling in a closed underground coal mine operated by MCL.
According to sources, the ground suddenly caved in while some local residents had gone out for open defecation. The sudden collapse led to the formation of a large crater, triggering panic among residents of the area. A similar massive pit had earlier formed in the Telisahi area of Handidhua.
Local residents allege that such incidents are recurring due to MCL’s failure to properly refill underground mines with sand after coal extraction, as mandated by safety norms. They claim this is the fourth such incident in the area. While sand filling is shown on paper, they allege that it is not being carried out on the ground. Whenever such incidents occur, MCL reportedly fills sand only at the affected spot and moves on, without addressing the larger issue.
Following the incident, ofiicer & staff of the Handidhua mine reached the site and barricaded the affected area.
Reacting to the incident, MCL Area Mine Safety Officer Debadas Panda said, “We are inspecting the incident. An inquiry will be conducted to determine the cause. The locations where sand filling was previously carried out have hardened. A plan has been prepared to fill sand from alternative locations, and the work will be completed soon.”
It may be noted that there are three underground coal mines in the Talcher region—Dera, Handidhua, and Nandira. Of these, only the Nandira mine is currently operational, while the others remain closed. Despite repeated incidents of land subsidence, residents allege that both the authorities and the administration have continued to ignore the issue, which could lead to serious consequences in the future.
