Authorities in Dhanbad have ramped up emergency operations to contain a dangerous gas leak at a coal mining site. The management of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has significantly intensified nitrogen flushing procedures in the Kenduadih area to bring the situation under control.
Round-the-Clock Efforts to Stabilise the Site
Specialist teams are working non-stop to stabilise the affected zone, with strict vigilance being maintained by the authorities. The technical operation is being led by the Panigrahi Mining Research and Consultancy Private Limited (PMRC), which is actively executing the critical nitrogen injection process.
Explaining the technical steps, B C Panigrahi, the managing director of PMRC, stated that the procedure was initiated only after completing a full borehole process. "Initially, a six-inch borehole was drilled, followed by a three-inch borehole to facilitate gassing, after which nitrogen injection was started," he said. The team is conducting continuous visual monitoring to assess the level of gas control being achieved.
Challenges and Expected Timeline
Panigrahi highlighted that the pace of control is heavily dependent on underground conditions, which cannot be directly observed. He added a note of cautious optimism, stating, "If no major complications arise underground, the situation is expected to normalise soon."
The science behind the response involves using nitrogen to reduce oxygen levels and provide a cooling effect, which aids in controlling the internal reaction causing the leak. The operation is structured and expansive:
- Three specific borehole points have been planned for the intervention.
- Work on the first point is ongoing, with operations on the second point scheduled to begin shortly.
72-Hour Critical Monitoring Period
Nageshwar Saha, the chief scientist at PMRC, reported that conditions have already improved significantly due to the efforts. However, he emphasised that the nitrogen flushing will continue for a critical period of 72 hours before the next course of action is decided. This sustained effort is crucial to ensure the leak is fully contained and the area is stabilised for safety.
The combined efforts of BCCL management, the PMRC expert team, and local authorities continue in Dhanbad, with the primary goal of securing the site and preventing any escalation of the toxic gas leak.
