Coal firm MCL paid fine of 2.68 crore after accidental death of goat

Bhubaneswar: A goat trespassed into the prohibitory area of Jagannath siding in the  mining area under operation of Mahanadi Coal Field Limited (MCL) and died in an accident but cost the coal company a staggering loss of Rs 2.68 crore.

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) suffered this cost yesterday on account of stoppage of coal transportation and dispatch work at Jagannath siding number 1 and 2 in Talcher Coalfield. 

A mob led by some people from Chatia Hurtings village created ruckus and protested against killing of a goat in accident with a coal tipper in the prohibited mining area.

Jaganath Sidings 1 & 2 were forcibly stopped by villagers at demanding Rs 60,000 as compensation. The operations could be resumed only after few hours with the intervention of senior officials and police.

But the three-and-a-half-hours illegal stoppage by the villagers caused an estimated loss of Rs 1.4 crore on account of coal transportation to the sidings and Rs 1.28 crore on account of dispatch through railways.

Besides, an estimated loss of Rs 2.68 crore to the MCL, the government exchequer also suffered an estimated stoppage by the villagers over the accident. The company has lodged an FIR with the local police for necessary action against those who have created illegal obstruction of coal operation and transportation.

MCL sources said, coal mines are restricted working zones where only the people authorised, trained and having knowhow of the mines enter to perform their job, the entry to mine areas is totally prohibited for general movement.

However, some people from the peripheral localities deliberately trespassed into the coal mine and overburden areas to pick coal, firewood and even graze their livestock which is a cause of concern for the public sector coal company.(UNI)