Talcher, Odisha : The 29th Regional Mine Rescue Competition of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) began in Talcher on Thursday, as the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Ranchi, and MCL jointly organized the event. Officially known as the MCL 29th Regional Mine Rescue Competition 2025, the inaugural ceremony took place at the Balanda Jagannath Kalyan Mandap under the Talcher Area and drew enthusiastic participation from officials, employees, and trade union representatives.
Moreover, Dr. Shyamsundar Prasad, Deputy Director, DGMS (South Eastern Zone), Ranchi, attended the event as the Chief Guest. During the MCL 29th Regional Mine Rescue Competition 2025, he praised the selfless efforts of mine rescue teams who risk their lives to save miners during accidents. In addition, he highlighted the vital role of rescue units in ensuring miner safety and thanked them for their unwavering dedication.
Meanwhile, MCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Uday Anant Kaol, who presided over the function, commended the rescue teams from various MCL mines for their swift and professional response during emergencies. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that MCL’s rescue squads will play an even more significant role in the MCL 29th Regional Mine Rescue Competition 2025 and in future disaster management and safety operations.
Among the distinguished guests, A.K. Mishra (Director, Technical/Operations), Keshav Rao (Director, HR), P.K. Patel (Chief Vigilance Officer), Sanjay Jha (Director, Technical/P&P), A.K. Dhal (General Manager, Safety & Rescue), and C.P. Garg (General Manager, Safety & Rescue) emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of safety across coal mining operations. They also urged consistent training and awareness programs to strengthen MCL’s safety culture.
Additionally, leaders from various trade unions including S.K. Sharma (AITUC), Shobha Pradhan (INTUC), Sanchit Mahapatra (BMS), Shankar Behera (HMS), Kunjabihari Behera (CISF), and R.K. Mallik (Officers’ Association) attended the ceremony and stressed the need for continuous safety awareness among mine workers. They further pledged to contribute actively to the MCL 29th Regional Mine Rescue Competition 2025.
The competition, which started on October 14, featured several rescue-related events and drills. Participants enthusiastically showcased their skills in emergency response, firefighting, and lifesaving operations. Later, guests presented prizes to the winners during the closing ceremony, appreciating their excellence and discipline.
Finally, the event concluded with a vote of thanks from A.A. Ansari, General Manager, Talcher Area, who thanked all participants, guests, and organizers for making the MCL Regional Mine Rescue Competition 2025 a grand success. Overall, the event reinforced MCL’s dedication to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement in mining operations.
