Avinash Azad
Jammu, May 24: Having already met with deadly accidents while extracting coal, a unit of JK Mineral Limited, the coal mines in Rajouri district are still extracting coal in life threatening exercise, as key posts including mining experts are laying vacant for years together.
Well-placed sources in JK Mineral Corporation told Early Times that the key posts including Chief Mining Engineer (CME), First Class Managers, Second Class Managers, Surveyors and Rescue in-Charge is laying vacant for years.
"Management had faced number tragedies while coal extracting", sources said, adding that although, in absence experts more than 750 labourers were working in mines under life threat.
"At present, three places Barog, Metka and Mohgala Coal extraction is being carried out by the JK Minerals and 750 casual and regular miners are extracting about 80 tons of coals is being extracted daily at these units", sources said, adding that the issue of filling-up vacant posts was placed before Board of Director un-settled for years.
"The Post of CME is laying vacant since retirement of its incumbent six years back. Similarly, the posts of Managers First and Second have not been filled for more than 10 years", sources maintained, adding that most significant post of Rescue In-Charge has not been filled for last two years.
"Extraction in mines always remains under threat and a number of miners have lost their lives due to mine collapsed. Coal mines have not required expert / trained Rescue In-Charge to meet any emergency, if any disaster takes place", he explained. At present an Agent has been running affairs of coal mines, sources said, adding that owing to huge dearth of experienced men, the mines have been declined.
When contact, MoS Industry and Commerce, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, disowning government's responsibility , acknowledged shortage of men in coalmines and said the corporations across the country have been facing similar complications. However, the MoS said that meeting of Board of Directors is likely to be held in first week of June at summer capital and some of posts would be filled. |
