Lok Sabha Question No. 1581 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-31
Subject: Lignite Reserves
Ministry: COAL
Asked by: Shri Anurag Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COAL

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1581 TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2024

## Lignite Reserves

## 1581.    Shri Anurag Sharma :

Will the Minister of Coal be pleased to state:

- (a) the number of lignite reserves in the proved category in the State of Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) the details of the budget allocated to the State of Uttar Pradesh for Promotional (Regional) Exploration and Detailed Exploration under the said scheme; and
- (c)  the  steps  undertaken by  the Government to  ensure safety in mines during the intensive drilling process?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a):  As  per  the  National  Inventory  of  'Indian  coal  and  lignite  resources'  updated  up  to 01.04.2023 by GSI, there is no lignite resource in the proved category in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
- (b): There is no specific provision for state-wise budget allocation under the Central Sector Scheme for exploration of Coal and Lignite. No fund has been allocated to the State of Uttar Pradesh  for  Promotional  (Regional)  Exploration  and  Detailed  Exploration  under  the  said scheme.
- (c):  Safety in exploration drilling, as well as in mines during the intensive drilling process is crucial  to  protect  the  well-being  of  personnel,  safeguard  the  environment,  and  ensure  the overall success of the drilling project. The following steps are undertaken by the Government to ensure safety in mines during the intensive drilling process-
1.    Safety in Exploration drilling - Exploration agencies are taking following steps -
- (i)   Training and education on safety procedures, emergency response, equipment operation and conducting regular safety drills.
- (ii)   Use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as safety shoes, gloves, helmets, safety belt, to minimize the risk of injuries and use of fall protection equipment, such as safety belts for personnel working at heights.
- (iii)    Drilling  equipment  are  regularly  inspected  and  maintained  along  with  preventive maintenance program.
- (iv)    Installation  of  guards  on  moving  parts  and  rotating  equipment  to  prevent  accidental contact.
- (v)   Regular inspection and monitoring of auxiliary equipment like  mud pumps, its pressure, pressure relief valves and hoses  for assessing any signs of wear, damage, or leaks for safe operation.
- (vi)   Safe operating procedures are followed for handling and storing drilling mud chemicals and proper personal protective equipment are provided for personnel handling chemicals.    Develop  and  regularly  review  emergency  response  plans  to  address  potential incidents such as fires and fishing accidents.
- (vii)   Establish  clear  communication  channels  between  team  members  and  with  other stakeholders.
- (viii)   Implementation of measures to minimize the environmental impact of drilling activities, such as proper waste disposal and spill containment procedures and Compliance of  environmental regulations and standards.
- (ix)   Promote employee well-being by providing health and wellness programs.
- (x)   Regularly  audit  operations  to  ensure  compliance  with  safety  protocols.  Develop  crisis management plans to address unforeseen challenges and crises. Trained personnel on crisis response procedures and designate key personnel responsible for crisis management.
2.    Safety  in  mines  during  the  intensive  drilling  process  -  Coal  companies  are  taking  the following steps to ensure the safety of mines during the intensive drilling process -
- (i)   Formulate  and  comply  with  risk  assessment-based  Standard  Operating  Procedures  for drilling operations.
- (ii)   Ensure all drillers use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- (iii)   Regularly check and replace PPE to ensure it is in good condition.
- (iv)   Ensure proper ventilation , control of dust and gas levels during drilling as per statute.
- (v)   Use water sprays and dust collectors to minimize airborne dust.
- (vi)   Provide competent supervision at drilling sites and conduct periodic inspections by senior officials.
- (vii)   Conduct toolbox safety talks and oaths at the beginning of each shift.
- (viii)   Display safety posters and pictorial hoardings at visible locations near the drilling.
- (ix) Compliance of statutory provisions under CMR2017, guidelines and circulars issued from DGMS applicable in mines

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