Director (Technical), Ministry of Coal Reviews Progress of Revised Jharia Master Plan at BCCL Headquarters
During the meeting, officials presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the progress achieved under the Revised Jharia Master Plan
Birendra Kumar Thakur, Director (Technical), Ministry of Coal, chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) headquarters, Koyla Bhawan, to assess the progress of various rehabilitation, welfare, infrastructure, and livelihood initiatives being implemented under the Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP).
The meeting, held at the Secretariat of the Director (Technical/Operations), BCCL, focused on the implementation of rehabilitation measures for families affected by underground coal fires and land subsidence in the Jharia coalfield. Discussions also covered strategies for tackling mine fires, preventing landslides, and ensuring the timely rehabilitation of displaced families.
The review was attended by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Director (Technical/Operations), BCCL, Rajiv Chopra, General Manager (JMP), along with senior officials and representatives of the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA).
During the meeting, officials presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the progress achieved under the Revised Jharia Master Plan. The presentation covered key areas including infrastructure development, concrete flooring, maintenance and sanitation of rehabilitation houses, uninterrupted drinking water and electricity supply, transportation facilities, verification and rehabilitation of Long-Term Housing (LTH) and Non-LTH families, implementation of various government welfare schemes, skill development initiatives, sustainable livelihood generation through the Multi Skill Development Institute, career counselling, micro-enterprise development, establishment of free coaching centres, utilisation of reallocated funds and District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMFT) resources, and environmental improvement through plantation activities at vacated geo-sensitive sites.
Addressing the meeting, Birendra Kumar Thakur stressed the importance of timely and effective execution of all projects under the Revised Jharia Master Plan. He directed officials to ensure the safe relocation of families from vulnerable areas, strengthen infrastructure at the Belgadia and Karmatand rehabilitation colonies, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local youth and women.
Emphasising coordinated efforts, he urged all concerned departments to work in close collaboration and complete short-term, medium-term, and long-term rehabilitation and livelihood projects within the stipulated timelines. He noted that the successful implementation of these initiatives is essential for improving the safety, living standards, and overall quality of life of people residing in the Jharia coalfield region.
