PM’s Adviser Tarun Kapoor Reviews CBM Project, Mining Operations and Jharia Rehabilitation in Dhanbad

Prime Minister’s Adviser Tarun Kapoor on Monday inspected the Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Block-1 project at Moonidih in Dhanbad, taking stock of methane extraction technology, the progress achieved so far and the plans for further development.

During his visit, Kapoor also reviewed the Moonidih Longwall Project. He emphasised the need to make greater use of modern technology in underground mining while ensuring safe and sustainable production of coking coal.

Earlier, Kapoor chaired a review meeting with senior officials of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) at Coal Bhawan. The meeting covered the company’s production capacity, coal production and dispatch, mining technology, safety measures and targets set for 2030-31.

Kapoor stressed the importance of making scientific and efficient use of available resources to improve production capacity as well as operational efficiency. He also called for continued emphasis on safety while expanding mining operations.

The Prime Minister’s Adviser subsequently inspected the Ena Fire Project in the Kusunda area, where he reviewed measures being taken to control underground and surface fires, maintain safety and rehabilitate families affected by mining-related risks.

During the visit, Kapoor also interacted with families living in high-risk areas and discussed issues related to their safety and rehabilitation. The discussions focused on ensuring that affected residents are relocated to safer areas while addressing their basic rehabilitation needs.

His visit comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to modernise coal mining operations in the Dhanbad region, which remains one of India’s key coking coal belts. Along with increasing production, authorities are also focusing on mine safety, technological upgrades and the rehabilitation of people living in areas affected by mining and underground fires.

Kapoor’s two-day visit to Dhanbad and adjoining areas is scheduled from August 31 to September 1. During the next phase of the tour, he is expected to inspect the Belgaria and Karmatand rehabilitation sites and review issues related to the revised Jharia Master Plan.

The visit is significant as the Jharia region faces the dual challenge of increasing domestic coking coal production while addressing long-standing concerns over mine fires, land subsidence, safety and the rehabilitation of affected communities.