Panem Coal Mines comes under fire from Hemant Soren

Jharkhand government today found itself in defensive when Chief Minister Shibu Soren's son, Hemant Soren alleged that the Pakur-based Panem Coal Mines Company was flouting all environmental guidelines by influencing the district officials.

"The district officials are under its control and thereby it could take a 'take it easy attitude' towards violating environmental rules causing eco-hazards in Pakur and Dumka," Hemant Soren said in the assembly after opposition MLA Mistri Soren's statement against the company.

Hemant picked up the issue when Deputy Chief Minister Sudesh Mahto replied that the company had been following all guidelines. An embarrassed Mahato quickly announced to convene a meeting in April to chalk out action plan against the 'erring' company.

Hemant Soren further alleged that the company's trucks had no speed-breakers causing regular mishaps. "One feet dust has accumulated in paddy fields as the company flouts the environmental guidelines," he added.

The company, located in Kataldih village in Amrapara block in Pakur distrist, supplies coal to Punjab State Electricity Board.

The leader of opposition, R P Singh (Congress), claimed even the Director General of Mines Safety was denied access to the company's mines.