NLC goes all-out to ensure normalcy in flood-hit TN

Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) has taken all necessary steps to make up for the shortfall in production and power generation, as the mining activities take a hit following excessive rainfall.

Neyveli region received a rainfall of around 408mm in 8 hours on November 9, 2015, the highest since the inception of the company in 1956.

There has been almost persistent rain since November 8, resulting in flooding of mines and suspension of mining operations and lower power generation, NLC said in a filing to the BSE on Monday. “However, maximum possible power generation has been taken up. Necessary action has been taken to make up for the shortfall in production and power generation to the extent possible”, it said. The power generation in thermal power station in Barsingsar, Rajasthan and in Tuticorin power project of NLC Tamil Nadu Power Ltd are operating as usual, it said.

Meanwhile, NLC has appointed Chandra Prakash Singh as independent director on its board. “Chandra Prakash Singh has been appointed as a Non-official Part-time Director (Independent Director) on the Board of Directors with effect from November 17, 2015”, NLC said in the BSE filing. 

Moreover, Neyveli Mines face a typical problem, wherein the water below the lignite mineral is exerting an upward pressure of about 6 to 8 Kg/Sq.cm. To mine the lignite, the water pressure is to be minimized – This water for reducing the pressure is being used for thermal power station and is not let outside. 

This water is called ground water. The mine being open cast spread over 50 Sq Kms, the rain water gets collected at the bottom most part of the mines  wherein the lignite bed is located. This water is termed as storm water and only occasional pumping is done as and when required. NLC Mines deploy capital intrinsic equipments, damages caused to these equipments would mean a greater exchequer  to NLC and to the Centre. 

Also, until these equipments are repaired, lignite excavation is not possible and consequent drop in power generation. Neyveil witnessed very heavy rainfall like other parts of the state, a total of 1250 mm of rain fall was  recorded during the month of November and up to 5th of December, 2015. 

All the  mines inundated and mining operation had to be stopped for evacuating storm water collected in the mines.