Inauguration of Mock-up Coal Mine at BITM
The most important and abundant fossil fuel in India, accounting for 55% of the country’s energy need, laying the foundation of our industrial heritage – coal is the energy of choice for India.
Commercial primary energy consumption in India has grown by about 700% in the last four decades. The current per capita commercial primary energy consumption in India is about 350 kgoe/year. Driven by the rising population, expanding economy and a quest for improved quality of life, energy usage in India is expected to rise. Considering the limited reserve potentiality of petroleum & natural gas, eco-conservation restriction on hydel project and geo-political perception of nuclear power, coal will continue to occupy centre-stage of India’s energy scenario.
Hard coal deposit are spread over 27 major coalfields in India – mainly confined to eastern and south central parts of the country. To educate and provide first-hand experience of a trip down one such deep, dark and dangerous underground coal mine – with special emphasis on safety regulations, pre-emptive measures and traditional and modern ways and means of overcoming all mining-related challenges – Birla Industrial & Technological Museum, Kolkata, a Unit of National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India invites visitors to its upgraded Mock-up Coal Mine facility. Spread over an area of 540 sq. m., housing over 60 exhibits, this Mock-up Coal Mine is the first-of-its-kind in India, since 1983. Highlighting the issues of floor and roof convergence, the facility now features Telescopic and Suspension Convergence Indicators, Portable Hydraulic Banding Machine and Anchorage Testing Machine. It promises to visitors not mere enjoyment but an experience.
Inaugurated on October 18, 2023 by Director BITM, Shri Subhabrata Chaudhuri; Chief Guest Shri Sutirtha Bhattacharya, IAS (Retd.), Former Chairman & Managing Director, Coal India Limited; Guests of Honour Shri Gautam Dhar, Former Executive Director, Coal India Ltd.; Shri T. K. Nag, Former CMD, Northern Coalfields Limited and Shri Vijay Sagar, Media Advisor to Chairman, Coal India Limited – this ticketed facility will be open to visitors for fixed-time demonstrations during Museum hours – within 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, on all days, including weekends and holidays, except on Diwali and Holi. About 120 students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ballygunge and Behala Sarada Vidyapith for Girls were taken on a maiden tour of the facility during the inaugural session.