A big safety scare has cropped up in Madhya Pradesh’s Anuppur district after a ground suddenly caved in near a PM Shri School in Malga village near Bartabei coal mine run by South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL). The event has caused panic amongst residents because the school, which has over 800 students is located next to the collapsed site.
After the incident, the incident scene was, post incident, inspected by the Bartarai mine manager Anil Kumar Yadav and the mining officials. The officials, however, reportedly said the collapse was part of a “development area” within the mine and ruled out that it was ground with a void scooped up by the collapse. The mine management assured the villagers that the pit would soon be filled, fences would be erected around the site and warning boards erected.
In spite of these promises, people locally are still concerned. Villagers say the earth suddenly dropped, and they witnessed several hazardous fissures forming around this area that could render the school’s building unsafe too if it’s not dealt with.
That situation has also led to accusations of administrative negligence. Local revenue official reportedly didn’t reach them scene for several hours, prompting some residents to feel anger.
However, villagers have now asked for a high level audit into the collapse of the ground and requested a comprehensive geological survey of the school compound as well as Malga village by district authorities. They say precautionary steps need to be taken now to prevent any loss of life and the safety of the students, educators and surrounding community.