Even as the company is vigorously pursuing its aggressive growth strategies to ramp up production in its 30 underground mines and 17 opencast projects spread across several districts in Telangana, the soaring day temperatures in the coal belt region ahead of peak summer has become a cause of concern for the coal miners. The surge in day temperatures in coal belt region has threatened to hit coal mining operations with many workers opting leaves in Kothagudem region. Coal miners including Badili fillers and workers besides time rated workers constitute more than 40,000 manpower of the SCCL’s total workforce of 56,658, says M. Narasimha Rao, general secretary, Singareni Collieries Employees Union. Temperatures rise over and above 50 degree Celsius in the coal belt region in May. The coal miners struggle to discharge their duties in gruelling heat wave conditions during the peak summer, he points out, suggesting that the SCCL management should provide improved amenities to the coal miners at the work sites to protect them from the potential risk of heat-related ailments. Health awareness campaigns are being organised at coal mines to educate workers to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses, says K.V. Ramana Murthy, General Manager, SCCL, Kothagudem Area. Cool drinking water, ORS packets and shelter facilities were made available to the coal miners. Arrangements are afoot to provide buttermilk packets to the workers at the coal mines from next week. Air-conditioner machines in dumpers and other heavy-duty vehicles have already been overhauled to protect workers from heat exhaustion at OCPs, Mr. Murthy lists out the preventive measures.

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