Vedanta Sesa Goa Inaugurates 42nd Annual Mines Safety Week at Bicholim Mines
Bicholim, Goa: Under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Goa Region and the Mines Safety & Productivity Council (MSPC), Vedanta Sesa Goa IOG inaugurated the 42nd Annual Mines Safety Week 2025–26 at Block 1, Bicholim Mines. The week long engagements will emphasise upon the safety measures at the mine & the initiatives being undertaken to reinforce safety as part of the ‘Safety is Us’ approach.
The opening ceremony was graced by Mr. Ramesh Walikar, Director of Mines Safety, and Mr. Deepak Chandramukhi, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, both representing the West Zone, Goa Region, as the Chief Guests. Other dignitaries present included Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Jagdish, Vice President, Mines Safety & Productivity Council and Nominated Owner of Bicholim Mine, Mr. Sandeep Morajkar, Secretary, Mines Safety & Productivity Council, and Mr. Santosh Mandrekar, Agent, Bicholim Mines.
The programme commenced with a ceremonial flag hoisting, followed by the safety oath-taking ceremony, underscoring the collective responsibility of all stakeholders towards ensuring a safe and secure working environment. This was followed by Deep Prajwalan and the National Anthem, formally marking the inauguration of Mines Safety Week.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Ramesh Walikar, Director of Mines Safety, highlighted the scale and significance of the regional observance of Mines Safety Week and the need for regulatory awareness. “Mines Safety Week is an important annual platform to reinforce the principles of safe mining and to renew our collective commitment towards accident prevention. This year, the programme will witness the active participation of over 50 mines across regions such as Sindhudurg, Goa, Kolhapur and Ratnagiri, covering Iron Ore, Silica and Bauxite mines as well as stone quarries. Sustained safety performance can only be achieved through strong leadership, strict adherence to statutory provisions, continuous capacity building and the active participation of every individual working in the mine. In addition, focused awareness sessions on the new labour codes are essential to ensure compliance and to safeguard the rights, safety and welfare of the workforce,” he said.
Mr. Deepak Chandramukhi, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, highlighted the need for continuous vigilance and proactive risk management saying that “Safety in mining is a continuous and dynamic process that demands constant vigilance and proactive risk management. Regular identification of hazards, timely implementation of corrective measures, and consistent compliance with safety standards are essential to achieving zero harm. Initiatives such as Mines Safety Week play a crucial role in strengthening awareness and embedding safe work practices at all levels,” he stated.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Jagdish, Dy CEO Vedanta IOG and Vice President, Mines Safety & Productivity Council and Nominated Owner of Bicholim Mine, reiterated Vedanta Sesa Goa’s safety approach “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, safety is deeply embedded in our operational philosophy and decision-making processes. The concept of ‘Safety is Us’ reflects our belief that safety begins with individual responsibility and is strengthened through collective ownership. Through Mines Safety Week, we aim to further reinforce this mindset, promote behavioural safety, and ensure that every person returns home safely at the end of each working day,” he said.
A key highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the inauguration and flagging off of the ‘Safety Publicity and Propaganda Vehicle’, an important outreach initiative aimed at strengthening safety awareness beyond the mine premises. The vehicle will travel extensively across mining clusters and surrounding areas during Mines Safety Week, disseminating critical safety messages through audio-visual aids, posters and interactive communication. Designed to reach employees, contract workers and local stakeholders, the initiative seeks to reinforce statutory safety practices, promote hazard awareness and encourage safe behaviour, thereby extending the impact of Mines Safety Week across the wider mining ecosystem.
The ceremony concluded with a plantation drive, carried out by the dignitaries, further highlighting the company’s integrated approach towards safety, sustainability and responsible mining. The 42nd Annual Mines Safety Week 2025–26 will feature a series of safety awareness programmes, training sessions and employee engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening safe work practices and promoting a culture of zero harm across Vedanta Sesa Goa’s mining operations.
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