CMD BCCL Pays Tribute to Bagdigi Martyrs; Conducts Comprehensive Inspection of Lodna Operations – Indian PSU
On the 25th anniversary of the tragic Bagdigi Colliery accident, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Manoj Kumar Agrawal, paid heartfelt tributes to the 29 miners who lost their lives in the devastating waterlogging incident.
The CMD offered floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Memorial at Bagdigi Colliery, Lodna, in the presence of senior officials, trade union representatives, and family members of the deceased miners. A moment of silence was observed in remembrance of the martyrs and their indomitable courage.
It may be recalled that on February 2, 2001, a massive water ingress at Bagdigi Colliery claimed the lives of 29 coal workers, marking one of the most painful chapters in the history of the coal sector.
Following the tribute ceremony, Agrawal undertook a comprehensive inspection of various mines, railway sidings, and the Pathardih New Washery in the Lodna Area.
He was accompanied by Director (HR) Murali Krishna Ramaiah, Director (Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh, OSD (Finance) Rajesh Kumar, GM (Excavation), GM (ENM), HOD (P&P), GM (Security), GM (Quality Control), along with other senior officials. Regional GM (Lodna), area officials, and concerned contractors were also present during the visit.
During the inspection, the CMD reviewed ongoing excavation activities, coal exposure levels, coal quality at stocks and sidings, and key safety parameters. He also inspected the under-construction BOBR project at Pathardih Washery, assessed stock positions and washery efficiency, and interacted with the GM (Washery) and the washery team. Shri Agrawal directed officials to enhance washery feed and improve clean coal yield.
The visit concluded with a high-level review meeting with the Lodna Area management. Emphasising teamwork, quality control, and strict adherence to safety standards, the CMD stated that these factors are critical to achieving BCCL’s production targets for FY 2025–26. He offered guidance to the officials and called for collective efforts to deliver the desired operational outcomes.
