Mines officials to send report on SCCL mishap to Centre

HYDERABAD: As the director of mines safety, south central zone, Hyderabad, began probe into explosion in Singareni mines, those responsible for mishap, which resulted in death of four workers, may get prosecuted under provisions of the Mines Act, 1952.
This is in addition to action that will be initiated by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SSCL) and also prosecution under IPC sections and Explosives Act by Ramagundam police.
A senior official of mines safety said it would take more than a week to complete every aspect of investigation. “Report will be submitted to Union labour ministry for action to be initiated based on findings,” he said.
Director of mines safety, south central zone, Hyderabad, Shyam Sunder Soni visited the mishap site at Ramagiri mandal on Thursday. “Charges against individuals will be based on their responsibility they had to discharge and lapses that occurred,” he told TOI.
According to sources, deputy director general of mines, south central zone, Hyderabad, Malay Tikadar is at the site, while technical personnel of mines safety are investigating the mishap.
Official sources said Singareni Collieries area in Telangana is not a gaseous place unlike other mines, especially in Dhanbad area, where different types of gases are found. Since there is no scope for gases to get mixed and perhaps be the cause for an explosion, the investigation is outlining the process was followed in setting up explosives. Although no conclusion has been arrived as yet, human negligence is not ruled out. “Those found guilty can be given imprisonment as deemed fit by the court,” an official said.