Hyderabad: Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna demanded stricter Singareni safety measures and warned the coal company management against compromising workers’ lives under any circumstances.
Referring to a recent accident at the 11 Incline RG-1 mine, the MP said a worker had suffered a knee injury. The worker required six stitches following the accident. Vamsi Krishna said a major tragedy had narrowly been avoided. Therefore, he urged the Singareni management to ensure similar incidents did not result in fatalities in future.
“Today, that worker escaped with six stitches. Tomorrow, a similar situation must not turn fatal. Nothing is more important than a worker’s life,” he said.
The MP sought strict enforcement of safety precautions, particularly in areas vulnerable to collapses. He also called for greater protection in underground zones where workers faced risks to their lives.
Singareni safety measures need technology focus
Vamsi Krishna said new technology becoming available to the mining sector should primarily safeguard workers rather than merely increase coal production. He also referred to a recent accident in Bellampalli. Consequently, he asked the Singareni management to conduct a comprehensive review of its safety system.
The review should identify measures required to prevent recurring accidents, he said. The MP maintained that Singareni safety measures should remain central to mining operations. Separately, Vamsi Krishna raised the issue of railway connectivity between North Telangana and the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
He said the Railway Department had a responsibility to provide better connectivity for people travelling from the northern region. The MP said he had repeatedly sought additional trains between Sirpur Kaghaznagar and Hyderabad. He had also met Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar during the Parliament session.
During the meeting, Vamsi Krishna said he had explained the railway requirements of people in the region. “Why shouldn’t there be adequate railway connectivity for a region that contributes so much revenue?” he asked.
The MP demanded that the Railway Board conduct a need-based study. He said the assessment should consider both the areas generating revenue and the travel requirements of the public.
Vamsi Krishna welcomed the recent test run and special trains announced for the festive season. However, he sought permanent measures to improve connectivity between Sirpur Kaghaznagar and Hyderabad.
Singareni safety measures raised alongside Ambedkar Bhavan demand
The MP also sought immediate allocation of land for constructing an Ambedkar Bhavan. Vamsi Krishna said he had already allocated approximately Rs 50 lakh from his MPLADS funds for the proposed building. He added that the Collector was following up on the matter.
However, he said the Singareni management still needed to provide the required land. He urged the company to allot the site without further delay. “I have already allocated the funds, and the Collector is following up on the matter,” Vamsi Krishna said.
“The Singareni management must now allocate the land immediately without further delay and pave the way for the construction of the Ambedkar Bhavan,” he added.
The MP thus raised three issues concerning the region: Singareni safety measures, permanent railway connectivity and land for Ambedkar Bhavan. He stressed that worker safety should remain the overriding priority in coal mining operations.