The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) has withdrawn permission for controlled deep-hole blasting at Bharat Coking Coal's New Akashkinaree Colliery (NAKC) in Govindpur Area. According to reports from Business Standard and PTI, DGMS issued this communication on 17 August 2026 under the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017. In a filing to the BSE, Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL) confirmed that "the Directorate General of Mines Safety, vide its communication dated 17.08.2026, has withdrawn the permission granted under the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 for controlled deep-hole blasting in New Akashkinaree Colliery (NAKC) of Govindpur Area, BCCL." The regulatory body has directed that mining and blasting operations in the affected area shall not be resumed without express and fresh permission in writing from DGMS.
DGMS has further directed compliance with directives issued by the Dy. Commissioner cum Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority, Dhanbad dated 14 August 2026. As reported by Business Standard and PTI, these directives mandate stopping blasting and mining operations until the affected area is declared safe after conducting a scientific study and evaluation. The safety measures are in response to a land subsidence incident that occurred at Chhatabad near New Akashkinaree Colliery, with the affected area being owned by BCCL.
The subsidence has occurred over the abandoned IX Seam old underground workings of New Akashkinaree Colliery, with the affected land being owned by BCCL. According to Business Standard and PTI, Bharat Coking Coal is undertaking appropriate steps in accordance with instructions from concerned authorities, including conducting the required technical study and seeking fresh permission at the earliest. The company is working to address the safety concerns raised by the regulatory authorities while maintaining its role in fuelling the nation's steel sector through coal production.
