Ramgarh villagers in grip of fear over underground fire and gas leakage

Leakage of underground gas and fire outbreak in Liao Panchayat of Mandu Block in Ramgarh has caused fear and panic among villagers. Despite repeated complaints, no efforts have been taken by the administration to address the issue.

Ramgarh (Jharkhand):In Liao Panchayat of Mandu block, methane gas has been leaking on a large scale in the area since last month. Apart from this, underground fires were also reported at various locations in the district.

The situation is such that the underground fires have spread from Dudhibandh to Karmali Tola, which are residential localities. Some of the residents have also reported the smell of gas in the area. However, the villagers have accused the district administration of having ignored their complaints.

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According to the manager of Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL), efforts were made to extinguish the underground fire by digging the area with the help of a JCB. Also, the site of the gas leak and underground fire has been seized by the CCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited.

Regarding this, the BDO of Mandu block Vinay Kumar said they are closely monitoring the issue and since their efforts to curb the fire and gas leak failed, the Mines and Geology Department has been informed.

In 2004, 8 labourers were killed in the area due to a methane gas leak.