In a significant late evening development, Great Eastern Energy Corporation (GEECL), the country’s first Coal Bed Methane (CBM) gas producer, has stopped its CNG production in Asansol for the time being.
Since 27 June, the INTTUC backed transport drivers’ union allegedly called a wild cat strike at Asansol, resulting in complete disruption of CNG transportation through cascades by road to Paschim Burdwan District and neighbouring Jharkhand.
The Company officials met the additional district magistrate (MV) of Paschim Burdwan but failed to resolve the stalemate. In a communique to the press today, the company has informed the media that they have decided to start work with 26 new drivers for safety of the project.
But the INTTUC leader, Mr. Raju Ahluwalia has been forcing to retain 22 out of the total 26 retrenched transport contractor drivers who have gone for the strike. These drivers have been working under the contractors since the past ten years.
“It has become extremeny unsafe to work with the 26 old drivers,”the company said in a written statement.
Mr Suvonkar Ganguly, VP (projects) of GEECL, has urged the district administration to provide security so that the safety within the premises is maintained as per international laws and work can be resumed with the 26 new drivers.
Mr Raju Ahluwalia, INTTUC leader, has also met the district administration along with the drivers. About 1300 auto drivers in Durgapur are already facing acute crisis of CNG gas supply