Dhanbad: The district mining department on Thursday issued notices to major coal and steel companies, including Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL-Mugma) Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL–Chasnala) and Tata Steel Limited (Jharia Division), directing them to deposit more than of Rs 18,425 crore aimed at revenue recovery.
I observe a vast open-pit coal mine, a massive conveyor system, and a hazy industrial skyline, showcasing resource extraction’s raw power.
The companies have been asked to deposit the amount within 15 days from the date of notice, failing which certificate cases will be initiated against them.
District mining officer (DMO) Ritesh Raj Tigga said that these mining companies carried out coal extraction beyond the permitted areas between 2000 and 2010. A total of 59 collieries are involved in the case, including 46 of BCCL, eight of ECL Mugma, three of Tata Steel Jharia Division and two of SAIL Chasnala.“The recovery is being made in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court,” he said.As per the assessment, BCCL has been asked to pay Rs 17,337.87 crore for multiple areas including Chanch Victoria, Govindpur, Katras, Sijua, Barora, Block-II, Kusunda, PB Area, Bastakola, Lodna, Eastern Jharia and Western Jharia. Tata Steel Jharia Division has been directed to deposit Rs 385.19 crore while ECL Mugma has been asked to deposit Rs 328.77 crore. SAIL Chasnala was asked to pay Rs 333.42 crore.The state govt has authorised the DMO and assistant mining officer to recover the amount. Officials of the concerned companies have also been formally informed about the action. Representatives of the companies could not be contacted for their comments till late in the evening.
