Case Studies

CP PLUS Secures Central Coalfields of Coal India Limited

Introduction

Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), the largest coal producer in the world. It is a Miniratna company with its coalfields located in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand.

With a revenue of US$ 13 million (as of FY 2014-15), Coal India Limited (CIL) contributes about 84% of the coal production in the India and is owned and controlled by the Ministry of Coal. Subsidiaries of CIL include Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL); Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL); Central Coalfields Limited (CCL); Western Coalfields Limited (WCL); South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL); Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL); and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). CP PLUS was tasked with securing the Central Coalfields Limited.

A common challenge faced with managing coal fields is monitoring the vast expanse. Coalfields usually run into kilometers and monitoring such vast stretches of land physically is hardly effective. In the case of Central Coalfields Limited, besides monitoring the fields, theft of coal from heaps and railway sidings that were collected just after mining; trespassing/ intrusion of unauthorized persons at the site; vigilance at the time of dispatch of sidings and monitoring of workers was also a challenge.  

Solution

The CCL management was clear about what they expected from the CCTV system. Besides round the clock vigilance within the premises, they required full optimization of cameras with a recording of 24 hours since the coalfields were in use 24/7; and video analytics for when there was no manned monitoring.

After careful evaluation of the premise and consideration of the needs and requirements, a complete solution was designed. This included a combination of CP PLUS 2MP Motorized Zoom cameras and PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras complete with CP PLUS NVRs with 24 hour recording and advanced Edge Analytics such as Intrusion Detection; Trip Wire; Motion Detection integrated with audio and alarm systems. Furthermore, it was ensured that the solution provided is scalable and can be easily upgraded as and when required.

The region being a remote area of Jharkhand, system integrators faced resistance from the locals. However, with the assistance and support of the CCL authorities and the CISF personnel arranged by them, the installation was successfully completed.

Impact

The project was successfully implemented as per the client’s requirement. The solution provided the administration with a ready access to the all sections of the expansive area at a click of the mouse. It also enhanced the overall safety and operational efficiency.

Post implementation and commencement, the authorities were very satisfied with the results. They were now able to monitor the entire premise from one location, and send officials to inspect only when they would find something suspicious. Further, with the integrated advanced Edge Analytics, they would be able to keep a vigil on the premise even when there was no one monitoring at the main station.

“As an SI we feel privileged that Coal India Ltd. chose us to serve them and that we were able to meet their requirements and provide them satisfaction”, Vasu Garg, GM, Smart Monitoring Innovations Private Limited.