Section 218(1) in The Coal Mines Regulations, 2017
(1)Whenever there is any proposal or intention to explore for presence of methane, in any coal seam or coal measure strata of any working or abandoned coal mines or part thereof, with an objective to exploit the methane or any other gases for captive, domestic or industrial purposes, the owner, agent and manager of the mine shall, not less than six months prior to the date of start of such exploration work, give notice in writing in the Form and method as may be specified by the Chief Inspector for the purpose, to the Chief Inspector and also to the Regional Inspector:Provided that in case of an abandoned mine, a notice of reopening shall also be submitted as specified under these regulations.
