During the past five years, 6,591 families affected by coal mining projects in Jharkhand have been rehabilitated, with more than ₹1,108 crore spent on rehabilitation, resettlement and compensation, according to the Central government. The information was provided by the Minister of State for Coal and Mines in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
The Central government said 6,591 project-affected families in Jharkhand were rehabilitated over the last five years. Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey informed the Rajya Sabha that more than ₹1,108 crore had been distributed towards rehabilitation, resettlement, land acquisition and other compensation. The information was provided in response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani.
According to the government, various coal companies have been working to provide financial assistance and rehabilitation-related facilities to families affected by mining projects. It said emphasis is being placed on ensuring the timely disbursal of compensation and other benefits.
Subsidiaries of Coal India Limited (CIL), including Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), and NLC India Limited (NLCIL), rehabilitated 1,791 project-affected families. These companies distributed about ₹587 crore towards rehabilitation, resettlement, and compensation for land and property. Employment measures were also undertaken, with CCL providing jobs to 968 people and ECL to 174 people.
The NTPC Group's Pakri-Barwadih, Chatti-Bariatu and Kerandari coal projects in Jharkhand affected 4,800 families. Compensation amounting to ₹520.80 crore was provided to affected families under these projects. The government said the rehabilitation and compensation process for these projects has been implemented in phases.
The government also said NLCIL provided compensation in lieu of housing to 86 project-affected families under the Pachwara South Open Cast Project, while five families received one-time financial assistance instead of employment. Officials said decisions in each rehabilitation case are taken based on individual circumstances to provide assistance according to the needs of affected families.
The Minister said regular review meetings are held with project-affected families to address matters related to rehabilitation and resettlement. These meetings review compensation distribution, rehabilitation progress and pending cases. According to the government, the objective is to resolve issues faced by affected families in a timely manner and ensure the effective implementation of rehabilitation plans.
Experts, however, believe that financial assistance alone is not sufficient. They said permanent employment, education, healthcare facilities and better infrastructure should also form an important part of the rehabilitation process for affected families to help establish a better balance between coal mining project development and the interests of local communities.
