Tarun Kapoor reviews BCCL’s production, mining technology, safety measures, Jharia operations and rehabilitation initiatives during a two-day visit to Dhanbad
Dhanbad : Prime Minister’s Adviser Tarun Kapoor chaired a high-level review meeting at the headquarters of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) at Koyla Bhawan in Dhanbad on August 31, 2026, as part of his two-day official visit to the city.
The review meeting focused on BCCL’s key operational activities, major projects, technological initiatives, safety measures and future development plans.
During the first day of his visit, Kapoor, accompanied by a high-level delegation, also visited some of BCCL’s major projects at Moonidih and the ENA Fire Project in the Kusunda area. He interacted with families residing in high-risk zones and discussed issues related to their safety and rehabilitation.
High-Level Review of BCCL Operations
The review meeting was attended by Coal India Limited Chairman B. Sai Ram, BCCL Chief General Manager Manoj Kumar Agrawal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles Alaknanda Dayal, Coal Ministry Project Adviser Alok Kumar Singh, Director (Human Resources) Murli Krishna Ramaiah, Director (Technical/Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Finance) Rajesh Kumar, and Director (Technical/Projects & Planning) Rajiv Kumar Sinha.
Senior railway officials, area general managers, general managers and heads of departments from BCCL headquarters, along with other senior officials, also participated in the review.
During the meeting, BCCL Chief General Manager Manoj Kumar Agrawal outlined the company’s major operational activities, key achievements, challenges and future plans.
Director (Technical/Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh made a detailed presentation covering BCCL’s operational performance, strategic initiatives and future development plans.
Production, Technology and Development Plans Reviewed
The presentation covered BCCL’s key operational indicators, coal production and dispatch, coal reserves, operational capacity, strengths and challenges, as well as production targets up to 2030-31.
The performance of both underground (UG) and opencast (OC) mines over the past five years was reviewed, along with overburden removal (OBR), production capacity and the company’s plans for the next five years.
The meeting also reviewed mining technologies currently being deployed by BCCL, including longwall mining and highwall mining.
Officials discussed plans to expand the use of advanced mining technologies such as surface miners and continuous miners to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
Focus on Jharia Coalfield and Closed Mines
The restructuring of opencast blocks in the Jharia Coalfield was also discussed during the meeting.
BCCL highlighted plans for redevelopment of closed mines through Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) and revenue-sharing models.
The performance of coal washeries, plans to expand washing capacity and initiatives aimed at improving coal quality were also reviewed.
Kapoor stressed BCCL’s strategic importance in meeting India’s growing coking coal requirements.
He called for the scientific and optimal utilisation of available resources, with greater emphasis on capacity enhancement and improved operational efficiency to support sustainable development and profitability.
Interaction with Area General Managers
Kapoor also interacted with BCCL’s Area General Managers to understand the major operational and administrative challenges being faced at different locations.
The discussions focused on identifying the root causes of these challenges and reviewing the measures being taken to address them.
The interaction was aimed at strengthening operational performance and ensuring more effective implementation of BCCL’s development plans.
Inspection of CBM Block-I and Moonidih Longwall Project
Following the review meeting, Kapoor visited Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Block-I at Moonidih.
During the visit, officials briefed him on CBM gas extraction technology, the progress of the project and plans for its implementation.
He also inspected the Moonidih XVI Seam Longwall Project.
The inspection focused on the role of mechanised underground mining in ensuring a stable and reliable supply of high-quality coking coal, while promoting safer and more sustainable mining practices.
Longwall mining is an advanced underground mining method that enables large-scale and mechanised extraction of coal from underground seams.
ENA Fire Project Inspected
Kapoor also visited the ENA Fire Project in the Kusunda area and reviewed fire-management measures and safety arrangements.
The project involves a range of activities, including scientific fire detection, thermal and satellite-based monitoring, excavation and phased rehabilitation of affected areas.
The inspection was aimed at assessing the progress of fire-control measures and the safety of people living in areas affected by underground coal fires and associated risks.
Interaction with Families in High-Risk Areas
During his visit to the Kusunda area, Kapoor interacted with families living in high-risk zones.
He discussed issues concerning their safety, rehabilitation and relocation and heard the concerns of the affected families.
The interaction forms part of the broader effort to address the human and social impact of coal mine fires and land subsidence in the Jharia coalfield.
Visit to Rehabilitation Sites on September 1
On September 1, 2026, the second day of his visit, Kapoor is scheduled to visit the Belgharia and Karmatand rehabilitation sites.
He will also review matters related to the revised Jharia Master Plan with relevant stakeholders.
The review is expected to cover rehabilitation, resettlement and other issues associated with the long-term management of mining-affected and high-risk areas.
Strategic Importance of BCCL
BCCL plays a crucial role in India’s coking coal supply chain, particularly because coking coal is an essential raw material for steel production.
The review of production capacity, advanced mining technologies, coal washing, mine redevelopment, safety and rehabilitation reflects the importance of strengthening BCCL’s operational capabilities while addressing the environmental and social challenges associated with mining.
Kapoor’s two-day visit brought together senior officials from the coal sector, railways and other government departments to review both the operational priorities of BCCL and the long-term development and rehabilitation requirements of the Jharia coalfield.
