The Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) has begun sealing the Khandra Colliery in the Raniganj coal belt due to surface cracks. This comes as a precautionary measure after surface cracks were reported near the Nikanth Temple in the area, officials said on Monday (August 31, 2026). 

The cracks and subsidence were first observed on July 28 in an area where several unauthorised structures and illegal occupants are present, according to ECL. The company said the structures had restricted surface-filling work in the affected area, raising concerns about air ingress into underground workings and the possibility of aggravation of spontaneous heating conditions. 

“The measures have been initiated purely as a preventive and proactive safety intervention,” ECL said in a statement on Monday (August 31, 2026). They also said that this step was taken to safeguard their employees and the surrounding areas and they will continue constant monitoring to assess the situation. 

The authorities also added that there will be no disruption to the existing water and electricity supply to residential quarters on account of the precautionary measures. 

“For the time being, the existing manpower will be suitably deployed either in another unit of the same mine or in neighbouring mines, as per operational requirements,” the statement from ECL also said. 

However, ECL has not stated for how long the coal mine will be sealed and refuted some news reports which had stated that they may be sealed for three months. The authorities added that the duration for which the mine will be sealed has not been decided and will only be confirmed in accordance “with expert advice, technical assessment and established mine-safety practices.” 

Constant struggle 

Raniganj is one of the largest and oldest coal belts of India, which began operations much before Independence, and many of the coal mines here have caused several hazardous and deadly accidents in the past. 

In one of the most recent accidents in the area in May 2026, one worker died and several others were injured after a landslide occurred inside a coal mine in Jamuria, located in the Raniganj coal belt. 

There have been several incidents of ground subsidence in this coal belt which has led to cracks in homes, with many locals abandoning their houses to flee to safer locations. This has also turned many villages in the Raniganj coal belt into ghost towns.