The CCL headquarters in Ranchi

Hazaribagh, April 8: Being eco-friendly is today’s mantra for a safe planet.

Following the trend, Central Coal Fields Limited (CCL) has decided to put its best foot forward by starting a campaign to plant 50,000 saplings of fruit-bearing trees at the abandoned Sangam coal mine at Bhurkunda in neighbouring Ramgarh district.

Speaking to The Telegraph, chief general manager of CCL’s Barka Sayal project Sumit Ghosh said that two ecological experts from the Jawaharlal Nehru University visited the mine in mid-March.

After a preliminary study, the duo confirmed that the soil was fertile enough for taking up the plantation drive.

Ghosh added that the PSU would buy saplings from the forest department and also rope in villagers. Local youths will be put in charge to tend to the plants. The chief general manager refused to comment on the estimated cost of the project that will cover 15 acres, arguing it was early yet. He, however, said that besides CCL, the Centre would also pump funds into the project.

The open cast mine in Sangam was abandoned in 1990 due to threats posed by an underground fire. Sources said that following the fire the mine had become notorious for polluting the Bhurkunda Bazaar area. The Barka Sayal and Kujju areas were both prone to the underground fire.

A portion of the Ranchi-Patna highway on NH-33 had also caved in as a result of the underground fire in 2009.

Last year too, a CCL guesthouse at its Central Saunda Project had to be relocated due to a fire there. Other than smoke, emission of harmful gases also prompted the residents to demand effective steps to check pollution.

Ghosh, however, denied allegations that the abandoned mine was a constant source of pollution. He stressed that the plantation drive was only aimed at promoting greenery. “Trees will help reduce pollution in the area. CCL has often undertaken such green projects at various mines,” claimed the chief general manager.

“We are working on the plan and hope to start work by June. After the plantation we will take all the necessary measures to protect the saplings and make the project successful,” Ghosh signed off.