CMD directs GMs to ensure no disruption to coal production during monsoon
Hyderabad: Singareni Collieries Company Limited Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti directed General Managers to take all necessary steps to prevent any disruption to coal production during the monsoon season and ensure uninterrupted supply to thermal power stations.
The CMD conducted a comprehensive review meeting with General Managers of all areas on Saturday following weather forecasts indicating the onset of the southwest monsoon within the next 10 days. The review was held in line with directions issued by the State and Central governments to maintain adequate coal supply during the rainy season.
Officials informed the meeting that nearly 95 per cent of Singareni’s coal production currently comes from open cast mines. Heavy rains often affect production in these mines due to water accumulation. To address the issue, SCCL has already installed more than 100 heavy-duty pumps and motors across open cast mines for dewatering operations.
Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti instructed officials to arrange additional company and private pumps wherever required to prevent water stagnation near overburden and coal benches. He also directed area managements to strengthen haul roads and ensure advance arrangements for pumping equipment availability.
Coal production monsoon preparedness reviewed across mines
The CMD instructed concerned General Managers at the Corporate Office to initiate tender-related processes required for additional pumping equipment. He also reviewed mine-wise preparedness plans related to monsoon management and directed officials to closely monitor weather advisories issued by the Meteorological Department.
Dr. Buddhaprakash Jyoti interacted with Area General Managers of open cast mines that recorded major production losses during rains over the past two years. He advised them to remain especially vigilant during the upcoming monsoon season.
Highlighting the rise in power demand due to international developments, the CMD stressed the need to maintain uninterrupted coal supply to thermal power plants operating under Fuel Supply Agreements with Singareni. He also reviewed coal production, transportation and overburden removal performance achieved by each area during the current financial year.
The CMD said maximum possible coal production should be achieved before the monsoon begins, as stronger first-quarter output would help offset losses during the rainy season. He further instructed officials to ensure optimum utilisation of heavy machinery and effective deployment of manpower.