Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, chaired a comprehensive review of the Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP) at BCCL Headquarters, Dhanbad. The plan is pivotal for tackling coalfield fires, land subsidence, and the safe rehabilitation of thousands of affected families in the Jharia Coalfields.
Key Aspects of the Revised Jharia Master Plan
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Financial Outlay: ₹5,940.47 crore for implementation.
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Objectives:
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Handle and extinguish coal seam fires and stabilize land.
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Rehabilitate displaced families and ensure access to quality civic amenities—roads, water, electricity, hospitals, and schools.
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Sustainable, humane, and timely resettlement, prioritizing the most vulnerable sites first.
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Livelihood Support:
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Each displaced family (Legal and Non-Legal Title Holders) is eligible for ₹1 lakh livelihood grant.
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Credit facility up to ₹3 lakh per family for income generation.
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Emphasis on targeted skill development via collaborations with Multi Skill Development Institutes.
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Formation of the Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund for entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
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Measurement of Success: Minister Dubey stressed that true rehabilitation would be achieved only when all essential civic services are provided on time.
Social Infrastructure and CSR: ICU Ward and Skill Development
Minister Dubey inaugurated:
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New 16-Bedded ICU Ward: At BCCL Central Hospital, Jagjivan Nagar—boosting critical healthcare for miners and their families.
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Multi Skill Development Institute–III: At Steel Gate, Dhanbad, to empower locals—beneficiaries received e-rickshaws and skill certificates, supporting self-employment and mobility in resettled townships.
Progress and Directives
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The Minister inspected Belgaria Township, interacting with resettled families and ensuring timely delivery of civic services.
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Directed all agencies to expedite full implementation of the Master Plan with accountability and dedication.
Achievements under JMP
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Fire Reduction: Surface fires reduced from 8.9 sq km (2009) to ~1.5 sq km (2025), with fire locations down from 67 to 18.
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Rehabilitation: Over 7,300 families relocated so far; robust infrastructure projects underway.
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Skill and Livelihood: Programmes, including micro-enterprise support, land transfer, and new legal compensation options to address unique land rights issues.
Conclusion
The Revised Jharia Master Plan marks a major shift towards sustainable, comprehensive rehabilitation for fire- and subsidence-affected communities, with a strong focus on economic self-reliance, robust infrastructure, and humane solutions. Minister Dubey’s visit reinforced the government’s resolve to balance energy security with social welfare and environmental safety.
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Source: PIB
