Toxic gas leak crisis: Dhanbad DC meets with BCCL officials to address Kenduadih gas leak; Urgent evacuations and safety measures under discussion

Dhanbad: Deputy commissioner Aditya Ranjan on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting with the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) and the company’s technical experts to review the toxic gas leak situation from the abandoned mines in Kenduadih.The meeting focused on identifying the causes of the leak, strengthening preventive measures, and expediting relief and rescue operations.The DC expressed serious concern over the continuous emission of hazardous gases from both sides of the Kenduadih residential settlements and the national highway.BCCL technical experts informed that the leakage is active on multiple fronts, posing a significant risk to residents as well as commuters.They recommended that vehicles passing through the stretch should move at reduced speed and emphasised the urgent need to evacuate nearby settlements to prevent casualties.DC Ranjan directed the disaster management officer to immediately write to the NDRF, providing a detailed report on the situation and requesting an expert team for on-ground assessment.He also instructed the officials concerned to send a formal request to the National Highways Authority of India for a technical inspection of the affected stretch of the road to rule out further risk.

The DC ordered that camps be set up in the affected localities to conduct a rapid survey and determine the exact number of families requiring relocation.He said the district administration is prepared to shift residents either to the Belgaria township or the Karmatand township according to their preference.The DC added that several families were taken to the Belgaria Township on Saturday to familiarise them with the facilities, encouraging them to relocate without delay. He assured that the administration has been closely monitoring the situation and that the safety of residents remains the top priority.