Khammam: Boggutta losing its sheen

Khammam: Boggutta, known as Yellandu, is losing its sheen as the first coal town in Telangana. The 21 Incline underground coal mine here will be closed by March 31 next year and the town will lose its existence once the mine is closed.

It is feared that about 10,000 families will lose indirect employment with the closure of 21 Incline. Hence, the people of the coal town are trying to convince the SCCL management to continue its mines. Yellandu has a long history in coal production and enriching Singareni Collieries Company Limited.

The Hyderabad (Deccan) Company Limited incorporated in England acquired mining rights in 1886 to exploit coal found in Yellandu area.

The present company was incorporated on December 23, 1920, under the Hyderabad Companies Act as a public limited company. The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) acquired all the assets and liabilities of the Hyderabad (Deccan) Company and Best and Co., acted as secretaries and selling agents.

About 20 mines were dug in and around Yellandu for the past 100 years and 18 mines were closed so far. At present, only two mines are being operated. The JKS open cast mine was extended, but the workforce for it will be below 150.

The people of the town constituted Joint Action Committee to exert pressure on SCCL management to continue its mining operation in the underground mine for another three years. JAC convener K Saraiah said, “There are coal blocks in the underground mine and plenty of coal is available.”

He said the management could earn profits by mining coal there. Even private schools, business establishments and denizens are participating in the stirs being organised by JAC. About 2,000 employees are working in the SCCL in Yellandu area and these people will be shifted to the other areas once the underground mine closed in 21 Incline area.