In a critical move to end a prolonged environmental crisis, a major technical operation was formally launched on Tuesday in Dhanbad's Kenduadih area to stop a toxic gas leak that has plagued residents for 15 days. The relief initiative commenced with the drilling of boreholes near the old GM bungalow in the affected Rajput Basti, marking a shift from agitation to action.
The Technical Assault on the Leak
The operation began with traditional rituals, swiftly followed by the start of drilling work led by Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL). The core strategy involves injecting around 14,000 litres of liquid nitrogen, specially brought in from Kolkata, into the ground. Experts explained that the nitrogen will reduce the underground pressure of carbon monoxide, the primary toxic gas, thereby controlling its seepage to the surface.
Technical assistance for the nitrogen filling and safety protocols is being provided by experts from the Dhanbad mines rescue station. A multi-agency team of scientists from premier institutions, including the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and CMPDI, is closely monitoring the situation on the ground.
Expert Insights and Monitoring Plan
Nageshwar Sahay, a scientist at the Union government-empanelled Panigrahi Mining Research and Consultancy Private Limited (PMRC), confirmed that nitrogen would be injected through the boreholes specifically to bring down the carbon monoxide pressure. Elaborating on the next steps, Professor Ankush from IIT (ISM), present at the site, outlined a meticulous monitoring plan.
He stated that after the initial nitrogen injection, continuous monitoring and sampling would be conducted to assess the leak's status. "Based on the findings, nitrogen will be injected at identified locations where the impact of the gas persists," he explained, expressing confidence that this scientific intervention would neutralize the threat and provide relief.
Community Response and Safety Measures
Before the drilling started, the district disaster management authorities issued public announcements, urging residents to stay away from the borehole site as a precaution. The entire area remains on high alert. For the local community, the start of the operation is seen as a hard-won victory.
Former councillor Krishna Raut emphasized that the initiation of relief work was a direct result of the residents' sustained 15-day-long agitation. He asserted that the people of Kenduadih wish to continue living in their area and are opposed to displacement. Affected families now watch with hope, praying the technical measures will soon fully control the situation and restore normalcy to their lives.
