In a drastic move to ensure worker safety, Central Coalfields Limited (CIL) has suspended all night operations at its Sarubera coal mine in the Kuju area of Ramgarh district. This decision comes in the wake of a series of fatal attacks by a herd of wild elephants roaming near the mine and its residential colonies.
Fatal Attacks Prompt Immediate Action
The preventive measure was implemented after the rampaging elephant herd reportedly trampled four individuals to death within a span of 48 hours in the Mandu block area. The victims included a 32-year-old CCL security guard, two elderly women, and a commuter. The tragic incidents occurred near the mine site and the residential colonies housing employees and their families.
R K Sinha, the general manager of CCL’s Kuju coal project, confirmed the suspension of the night shift, stating it was a necessary step for the safety of miners and officials. Over 200 people are employed at the Sarubera coal mine, making their protection a top priority.
Official Advisory and Ongoing Threat
An official advisory has been issued for all CCL employees and residents of the nearby colonies, urging them to avoid moving around during the night and to take all necessary precautions. The herd continues to roam the vicinity and has been venturing into populated areas, posing a significant ongoing threat.
Forest department officials have echoed this warning, asking locals to refrain from venturing outside their homes after sunset. Divisional Forest Officer Nitish Kumar stated that quick response teams have been deployed to monitor the herd's movement and drive the animals away from human settlements.
Mines Located in Critical Elephant Corridors
The situation is further complicated by the location of several CCL coal projects in Ramgarh district. Key projects like Kedla, Sarubera, and Karma fall within identified elephant corridors, which are traditional routes used by the animals for migration. This geographical overlap increases the potential for human-elephant conflict.
Authorities are actively reviewing the situation in consultation with state forest officials. "We are reviewing the situation with consultation of state authorities. Till then, there will be no mining activity in Sarubera project mines which is near to the spot where elephants trampled four people to death," General Manager Sinha emphasized. The halt in night operations will remain in effect until a safer environment can be assured.
