(a) whether a high level committee was constituted to go into the incidents of fire in the coal mines in order to check such incidents;
(b) if so, the date on which this committee was constituted and the report of the committee; and
(c) the recommendations of the report which have not been implemented so far alongwith the reasons for their non-implementation?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI SANTOSH GANGWAR)
(a) & (b): A High Level Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Coal) was constituted on 19.12.1996 to look into the problem of subsidence and fire in Raniganj and Jharia Coalfields to suggest remedial measures. The Committee submitted its report in January, 1998.
(c): The Committee had recommended for shifting of all settlements of unstable areas to non-coal bearing zones, total ban on any new construction over declared unsafe areas and intensive stabilization work in unstable areas. The respective Coal companies, with the co-operation of State Governments are making efforts for this large exercise. The Coal India` Limited (CIL) had agreed to release funds to the tune of Rs.160 crores per year for combating fire and subsidence problems within CIL. For 10th Plan, Rs.163 crore has also been allocated for Environmental Measures and Subsidence Control (EMSC) Schemes for this job.