The history of coal mine fires in Jharia coalfield are as old as its mining history. In 1916, the first incidence of fire in this coalfield was reported from Bhowrah colliery. Since then the fires have been increased extending to an area of about 9 sq. km as assessed by a World Bank team. The widespread occurrence of mine fires in Jharia Coalfield is attributable to the haphazard and unscientific mining practices adopted by the erstwhile miners, presence of closely spaced good quality multi-seams at shallow depth, multi-section workings which resulted in coal mine fire advancement in a multi-directional manner. The fires impacted the entire surface infrastructure including surface water bodies endangering both life and property in the coalfield area. They also severely affected the coal production of the company resulting in chronic losses since its inception. BCCL was referred to BIFR as a sick company consequent upon its Net worth becoming negative in 1995. These fires could not be controlled even after spending more than Rs. 100 crores through various methods like sand flushing, chemical treatment, blanketing etc.
There were neither structured mining plans nor Environmental clearances for the taken over old mines until 2008. But within two years, BCCL could obtain Environmental clearances for all its mines through its pioneered “Cluster concept”. Another flagship program taken up by BCCL is the Ecological restoration of mined out areas, which kick started through a directive from the Hon’ble Jharkhand High Court.
In the last six years from 2008, following the preparation and implementation of a new Strategic mining Plan invented by BCCL's present corporate management, breakthrough results have been achieved, where major problem of multi seam working was converted into an opportunity. It was decided to excavate out fire and unstable subsidence areas by Open cast method. Coal seam underlying the open casted area will be free from any danger of fire and subsidence and can be exploited through highly mechanized underground mining. The requisite production growth for turnaround, even with non availability of land seemed feasible.
This strategy was implemented with remarkable success. The fire area as per the satellite survey done by National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Deptt. of Space, Hyderabad has reduced from 9 sq.km. to 2 sq.km. The revised turnaround plan based on this strategic plan proved to be successful in turning around the fortune of company. As per revised plan, BCCL was expected to come out of BIFR by 2013-14, however, it succeeded to turn net worth positive by 2nd quarter of 2012-13 itself. BCCL has also earned cumulative profit of Rs. 6508 crores (PAT Rs. 5923 crores) since last five years, contributing to the national treasury. BCCL, now has been awarded the status of a Mini Ratna company by the Govt. of India. The excavating out fire has resulted in recovery of valuable coal which otherwise would have lost forever. It has recovered coal locked in thick seams earlier worked out with inefficient techniques and hence permitted efficient mining, mass production technology promoting conservation, at lower seams. In addition, the reduction of fire areas have also greatly contributed to the reduction in the Green House Gas emissions from Jharia Coalfield and reduction in the Carbon Foot Print of the company as a whole.
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