Forest dept, Singareni face off over mining work at 2 Seam

Adilabad: The confrontation between the forest department and the Singareni Collieries continued with the former seeking a status report on the mining activities at 2 Seam in Srirampur-RK7 underground mine in Mancherial district which was supposed to stop.

The forest department had issued an order to Singareni 15 days back asking it to stop mining activities at the underground mine as the company failed to renew its permission in time. On its part, Singareni claimed it applied for renewal but did not get it.

Meanwhile, sources said mining activity went on at these sites as Singareni expected renewal of its permission.

Shantharam, Kawal Tiger Field Director (FDPT) said they are expecting a status report on the mining activity at 2 Seam in Srirampur RK-7 underground mine based on which they will take a decision.

He said as Singareni did not get the renewal, mining should stop as per forest department’s previous order.

Nearly 1,400 workers are engaged in Srirampur- RK7 underground mine and among them are 500 people who work at 2 Seam mine. However, Singareni did not shift these workers to other mines.

Singareni workers and trade unions are confident that they will get the permission what with the management having brought the issue to the notice of the state government.

Meanwhile, unconfirmed reports said the SCCL management is ready to accommodate these workers in nearby coal mines.