Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, reviewed the progress of rehabilitation works in the Jharia Coalfield on December 24, 2025, as part of the Revised Jharia Master Plan (RJMP). During the second day of his visit to Dhanbad, the Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple infrastructure, livelihood, education, and sustainability projects at the Belgaria and Karmatand Rehabilitation Sites, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to safe, dignified, and sustainable rehabilitation of mining-affected families.
Revised Jharia Master Plan: A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Framework
The Revised Jharia Master Plan (RJMP), approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on June 25, 2025, addresses long-standing challenges of mine fires, land subsidence, and unsafe habitation in the Jharia Coalfield.
Under the RJMP:
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Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) is responsible for rehabilitating non-BCCL families from endangered zones
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Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) undertakes rehabilitation within its operational areas
The Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by CISF personnel at the BCCL Guest House.
Belgaria Rehabilitation Township: Infrastructure and Livelihood Focus
At Belgaria Rehabilitation Township, the largest resettlement colony under JRDA, Shri Reddy inaugurated:
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JRDA Administrative Building
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Public Distribution System (PDS) Shop, enabling efficient governance, grievance redressal, and essential supplies
He also laid foundation stones for:
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Road widening works (Phases II & III)
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Installation of 500 LED solar street lights
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Balance development works for Phases IV, VI, VII & VIII
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Upgradation of the Primary School into a Model School, with digital classrooms, sanitation, power backup, and modern learning facilities
Belgaria has been developed across eight phases, comprising 1,191 blocks and 18,272 houses, supported by strong civic and community infrastructure. The JRDA Administrative Building and PDS Shop were completed at a cost of ₹1.23 crore.
As part of livelihood support, 11 e-rickshaws were distributed to rehabilitated families under BCCL’s CSR programme, promoting self-employment and sustainable income generation.
The Minister emphasised quality construction, timely execution, and livelihood-oriented rehabilitation to ensure long-term well-being of affected families.
Karmatand Rehabilitation Site: Housing, Education and Skills
At the Karmatand Rehabilitation Site, developed by BCCL, the Minister reviewed facilities where:
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4,008 houses have been constructed
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Assured water and power supply, wide internal roads, street lighting, and security systems are in place
Addressing residents, Shri Reddy stated that RJMP reflects the Government’s people-centric approach to resolving unsafe habitation caused by mining activities.
Key inaugurations at Karmatand included:
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Middle/High School, shifted from Lodna to a newly refurbished building and operational since November 1, 2025
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Multi-Skill Development Institute (MSDI–IV), operational since November 27, 2025, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Council (NSDC)
The MSDI offers training in Customer Care Executive, Beautician, and Assistant Fitter trades, with scope for expansion based on market demand.
Additional facilities already operational include free e-bus transport, a market complex, and grievance redressal mechanisms, while healthcare services, Anganwadi centres, and PDS facilities are being further strengthened.
Digital Governance and Clean Energy Initiatives
During the visit, the Minister also inaugurated:
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Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) of BCCL, integrating CCTV surveillance, RFID access control, vehicle tracking, and automated weighment systems to enhance safety, transparency, and efficiency
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Dugdha Solar Power Plant of BCCL, reinforcing the shift towards clean energy, reduced carbon emissions, and environmentally responsible mining operations
Conclusion
The review and inaugurations under the Revised Jharia Master Plan underline the Government of India’s integrated approach to rehabilitation—combining housing, education, healthcare, skills, digital governance, livelihood support, and clean energy. Through coordinated efforts of JRDA, BCCL, and the Central Government, the RJMP is poised to significantly improve living standards and ensure safe, sustainable rehabilitation for families affected by mining activities in the Jharia Coalfield.
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Source: PIB
