West Bengal Rushes to Initiate Deucha-Pachami Coal Block Mining

West Bengal authorities are expediting processes to start mining at the Deucha-Pachami coal block in Birbhum district. The project, overseen by the West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd, will commence with overburden removal on 12 acres before expanding to 326 acres. Challenges include extracting coal beneath thick basalt layers.

In a bid to accelerate progress, West Bengal authorities have been directed to initiate mining operations at the Deucha-Pachami coal block in Birbhum district within three months.

This directive follows a site visit by top officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, who assessed the project's status. The West Bengal Power Development Corporation Limited (WBPDCL), responsible for implementing the project, will begin by removing overburden on a 12-acre plot.

The eventual goal is to expand this work to 326 acres. Significant challenges remain due to thick basalt layers, necessitating advanced underground mining technology. The state is actively pursuing suitable techniques to extract the reserves, initially meant for several Indian states but now solely managed by West Bengal.

(With inputs from agencies.)