Thousands of displaced villagers in the Barkagaon area of Hazaribagh district staged a large protest on Friday against coal mining projects, surrounding the district collectorate and opposing land acquisition and the allocation of new coal blocks.
A large number of women participated alongside men in the demonstration, carrying traditional weapons and placards while demanding protection of fertile agricultural land.
Protesters opposed the allocation of new coal blocks in the eastern Barkagaon region, stating that they would not hand over their multi-crop and fertile agricultural land to private companies under any circumstances.
According to available information, coal blocks in the region have been allocated to several companies, including the Adani Group, JSW Group, and LMDV.
Villagers alleged that the projects would adversely affect their livelihoods, agriculture, and the environment.
Thousands of villagers gathered at the district headquarters and surrounded the collectorate premises during the protest. Women participated in large numbers and played an active role in the demonstration.
Women protesters raised slogans against the administration and said they would not hand over their land to coal companies at any cost. Several demonstrators carried placards while registering peaceful but firm opposition.
Local representatives leading the protest warned that if the administration and companies continued forced land acquisition efforts, the movement could intensify further.
Villagers stated that large-scale displacement and environmental damage had already occurred in the western Barkagaon region due to mining activities and said they would not allow the eastern region to face a similar situation.
Protesters said the land proposed for coal mining acquisition is highly fertile and supports multi-crop farming.
Farmers in the region cultivate several crops throughout the year, including rice, wheat, pulses, sugarcane for jaggery production, and green vegetables.
Villagers stated that the agricultural system is the primary source of livelihood for thousands of families and alleged that mining projects would deprive them of land, employment, and food security.
Women protesters gathered at the main entrance of the collectorate and said they were prepared to go to any extent to protect their land and future.
They alleged that mining projects would affect their traditional way of life, farming practices, and social structure.
Villagers also expressed concern over the environmental impact of coal mining, alleging that large-scale mining would reduce soil fertility, affect water sources, increase air and noise pollution, and damage biodiversity.
Local residents claimed the projects could disrupt the ecological balance of the area.
During the protest, villagers submitted a memorandum to the district administration demanding an immediate halt to land acquisition and stating that no mining activity should proceed without the consent of local residents.
Protesters warned that if their demands were ignored, the movement could expand at the state level.
Following the protest, district administration and police officials monitored the situation, with the possibility of additional security deployment being considered to maintain law and order.
Officials said efforts would be made to resolve the matter through dialogue with all stakeholders to keep the situation under control.
