High-Level Review Meeting on Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Held Under Chairmanship of Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt
Coal Secretary conducted an extensive review of the progress made in rehabilitation, skill development, training, livelihood promotion, and community development activities
A high-level review meeting on the Jharia rehabilitation and development works was held at Coal Bhawan, Dhanbad, under the chairmanship of Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt. Senior officials from the Coal Ministry, JRDA, Coal India Limited, BCCL, JMP, and district administration were present.
The meeting was attended by Coal India Chairman Sanoj Kumar Jha, BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner Dhanbad Aditya Ranjan, Director (Human Resources) Murali Krishna Ramaiah, Director (Technical-Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Projects & Planning) Niladri Roy, Chief Vigilance Officer Aman Raj, and Superintendent of Police (City) Ritwik Srivastava, along with other senior officers.
Comprehensive Review of Rehabilitation and Development Initiatives
On the second day of his visit to Dhanbad, the Coal Secretary conducted an extensive review of the progress made in rehabilitation, skill development, training, livelihood promotion, and community development activities undertaken by BCCL and JRDA. Officials presented detailed updates on the status of rehabilitation work, allocation of residential units, availability of clean drinking water, education and health services, transportation facilities, and skill development initiatives in Belgarhia and Karmatand townships under the revised Jharia Master Plan.
Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan presented the JRDA progress report, while BCCL’s presentation was delivered by Director (Technical-Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh. Both presentations highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades and community development efforts in the townships.
Coal Secretary Stresses Quality Rehabilitation and Better Livelihoods
After reviewing all aspects, Vikram Dev Dutt emphasized the importance of providing quality housing, basic civic amenities, and sustainable livelihood opportunities to the displaced families. He described the Jharia Master Plan as one of the country’s largest rehabilitation efforts, stressing that transparency, accountability, and human sensitivity are crucial for its successful implementation. He called for collective efforts to develop Belgarhia and Karmatand as model rehabilitation townships.
Coal India and BCCL Reaffirm Commitment
Coal India Chairman Sanoj Kumar Jha reiterated the company’s firm commitment to implementing the Jharia Rehabilitation and Fire Control Plans with a focus on sustainable development. He noted that the objective extends beyond safe mining to improving the quality of life for every citizen in the region, adding that the Belgarhia Rehabilitation Model reflects this long-term commitment.
BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that BCCL, in coordination with the central and state governments, is prioritizing rehabilitation, skill development, and community facility upgrades to provide a safer and more dignified life to the people of Jharia.
Field Inspections of Key Facilities
Before the review meeting, the Coal Secretary visited the MSDI-III centre at Steel Gate and the MSDI-IV centre at Karmatand. He inspected training facilities, infrastructure, and resources, and interacted with trainees and officials.
He also visited the upgraded middle school, residential quarters, and civic facilities in Karmatand Township, engaging with students, teachers, and local families to understand their needs.
The visit concluded with an inspection of the Belgarhia Colony, where the Secretary reviewed the JRDA-run rehabilitation system, PDS shops, the grievance redressal centre, the administrative block, and livelihood initiatives such as e-rickshaw programs. As a symbol of commitment to environmental protection, he planted trees within the premises.
