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Festive fervour grips Singareni
The company is all slated to celebrate the Singareni Day on Friday In 1869, British geologist William King discovered coal deposits in Yellandu region of Khammam and conducted a series of research during 1870-71 and started coal mining operations in 1889 using services of tribals.
The 128-yr-old company set to celebrate Singareni Day today
Kothagudem: The 128-year-old Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has wriggled itself out of accumulated losses and is marching towards profits, thanks to a series of mechanisation in the colliery.
The company is all slated to celebrate the Singareni Day on Friday In 1869, British geologist William King discovered coal deposits in Yellandu region of Khammam and conducted a series of research during 1870-71 and started coal mining operations in 1889 using services of tribals.
Later, British mining engineer Burly and general manager Andrews got borewells dug in Karepalli, Bayyaram and Kothagudem as part of exploration for the coal.
In 1921, vast reserves of coal deposits were found in Kothagudem. Later, the Hyderabad-based Best & Company started tunneling work under the directions of Burly.
The first ever coal mine in Kothagudem was named as Burly pit, whichextended from Kothagudem to Anandakhani. Coal mining in the pit was suspended in 1936 when Godhumavaagu stream obstructed the works.
The coal production in the pit was resumed in 1937. The coal mine was closed again in 1960 on safety grounds. One of the largest coal mines in Kothagudem area is VK 7 shaft.
The shaft extended over an area of 580.20 hectares and has 32 million tonnes of coal deposits. Since 1956, 24.5 million tonnes of coal has been excavated from the shaft. The mines in Kothagudem still have 8 million tonnes of coal deposits.
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The SCCL management provided air-conditioners in the shaft in 2012, which employed over 1,027 workers. First ever lift in the SCCL mines has been provided in the VK 7 shaft.
In 1982, self-loader dumper has been provided, in 1885 a long wall has been set up. The SCCL is ahead of others in coal mining operations with provision of a blasting gallery during 1998-2006.
Prior to closure of Burly pit, Andrews-1, Andrews-2 and Andrews-3 coal mines were started. Besides, 4 Incline, 5 Incline, 5A, 5 Shaft, 7 Incline, 8 Incline, 9 Incline, 10 Incline and 11 Incline mines became operational. However, currently a GKOC open cast mine came into existence since 1993.
The Nizam rulers took possession of coal mining from The Hyderabad (Deccan) Company Limited, which was incorporated in England. Since the then Nizam ruler Osman Ali Khan purchased the highest number of shares in the company, the company management came under the administration of the Nizams.
Since then to the present day, SCCL weathered several highs and lows. The coal exploration is spread over 17,000 square km area in Godavari catchment area.
In independent India, the SCCL operations extended to Karimangar, Adilabad and Warangal districts besides Kothagudem districts. Since 1996, the SCCL was steeped in Rs 1,200 crore losses.
With the Centre awarding a general dose of royalty of Rs 600 crore, the SCCL breathed easy. Against the backdrop of globalisation, several reforms were introduced in the colliery. As a result of the reforms, the SCCL upgraded technologically and joined 50 million tonnes club.
Recently, the Government of Telangana gave green signal to appointments on compassionate grounds in the SCCL recognising the hardwork of the workers, officials, contract labourers and so on.
Recently, the Tamil Nadu Power Generation and Distribution Corporation entered into an agreement to buy 210 lakh tonnes this year and 30 lakh tonnes next year.
SCCL general manager G Muralisagar said that all was set for the SCCL to celebrate Singareni Day on Friday. The celebrations would be held in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district for the first time. SCCL CMD Sridhar will grace the occasion as chief guest.
Speaking to The Hans India, SCCL Coal Employees Trade Union president D Venkata Rao described the jobs on compassionate grounds in the SCCL as a boon to workers. Whereas, SCCL Workers’ Union State Executive Body member Miriyala Rangaiah accused themanagement of ignoring the workers welfare.
The management is deploying machines in lieu of workers to get the coal excavated. The jobs issue came to the fore with an eye on forthcoming elections and termed it as illegal. He expressed concern over the shrinking of the work force from 1.12 lakh to mere 52,000.
-By PV Satyanarayana & Nayini Rajesh
