Wednesday, September 7, 2011


Coal Companies to Take up more Social Development Projects in Coal Mining Areas

Coal India limited (CIL) has deployed more security personnel besides upgrading its infrastructure to check pilferage and theft of coal from its mining areas. The matter has also been taken up with railway authorities to improve security of railway wagons to check the loss during transit. This was informed by Minister of Coal, Shri Sriprakash jaisawal to the members of Parliamentary Consultative committee attached to his ministry here today while discussing the issue of pilferage of coal from mining areas.

Responding to the concern expressed by the members regarding incidence of coal pilferage, the minister said that officials have been directed to carry surprise checks around mines and to re-weight coal laden trucks. CIL has also been asked to have better coordination with district administration and local police to take immediate action on the receipt of information of any such incidence.

The minister said that besides this, CIL has also been asked to take more socio-economic development work around mining areas. Awarding the job of coal transportation to villagers’ co-operative will be considered. This will provide a source of earning to them and an incentive to check illegal mining activities . Shri Jaisawal said that coal companies will also take up development projects of safe drinking water, sanitation and basic health care to create positive impact on economic condition of the local communities around mining area.

Participating in the discussion, members of parliamentary consultative committees expressed concern over reports of continued pilferage and theft of coal. They said monitoring system should be strengthened and responsibility of the officials should be fixed in cases of pilferage.

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