On the second day of his visit to Dhanbad, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, reviewed the progress of rehabilitation works in the Jharia Coalfield and inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple people-centric projects at the Belgaria and Karmatand Rehabilitation Sites under the Revised Jharia Master Plan (RJMP). The Minister was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by CISF personnel at BCCL Guest house.

The Revised Jharia Master Plan (RJMP), approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on 25 June 2025, aims to address long-standing challenges relating to mine fires, land subsidence and rehabilitation in the Jharia Coalfield. Under the RJMP, rehabilitation of non-BCCL families from endangered areas is being undertaken by the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) under the State Government, while Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is responsible for rehabilitation of families within its operational areas.

Belgaria Rehabilitation Township

At the Belgaria Rehabilitation Township, the Minister inaugurated the Administrative Building of JRDA and a Public Distribution System (PDS) Shop, established to ensure round-the-clock governance, efficient colony management and time-bound grievance redressal for residents.

The Minister also laid foundation stones for key infrastructure projects, including road widening works (Phases II and III) to support growing population needs; installation of 500 LED solar street lights to improve safety and promote environment-friendly infrastructure; balance development works for Phases IV, VI, VII and VIII; and upgradation of the Primary School into a model school with modern classrooms, digital learning facilities, sanitation infrastructure, power backup and improved educational amenities.

Belgaria, the largest resettlement township developed by JRDA, has been conceived as a comprehensive rehabilitation hub. Developed across eight phases with 1,191 blocks, the township comprises a total of 18,272 houses, supported by robust civic, social, and community infrastructure. The JRDA Administrative Building and PDS Shop have been completed at a project cost of ₹1.23 crore.

As part of a significant livelihood support initiative, 11 e-rickshaws were distributed to rehabilitated families under BCCL’s CSR programme, enabling sustainable income generation and self-employment opportunities.

The Minister commended the progress achieved at Belgaria and emphasized the importance of timely execution, high-quality construction and livelihood-oriented rehabilitation to ensure safe, dignified and sustainable living conditions for affected families.

Karmatand Rehabilitation Site

At the Karmatand Rehabilitation Site, developed by BCCL for families relocated from endangered areas, the Minister noted that 4,008 houses have been constructed with assured water and power supply, wide internal roads, street lighting and security arrangements.

Addressing gathering at Karmatand, Shri Reddy stated that the Revised Jharia Master Plan (RJMP) reflects the Government’s firm commitment to resolving challenges of unsafe habitation, mine fires and land subsidence through a comprehensive and people-centric rehabilitation approach. He underscored that BCCL has developed multiple rehabilitation sites under the RJMP, with Karmatand emerging as a key resettlement location.

The Minister inaugurated the Middle/High School at Karmatand, which has been shifted from the Lodna area to a newly refurbished building. The school has been operational since 1^st November 2025 and is providing quality education to children of rehabilitated families through upgraded infrastructure equipped with modern furniture and facilities.

The Minister also inaugurated the Multi-Skill Development Institute (MSDI–IV) at Karmatand. Operational since 27^th November 2025 in collaboration with the National Skill Development Council (NSDC), the institute offers skill training in trades such as Customer Care Executive, Beautician and Assistant Fitter, with scope for expansion based on market demand.

Shri Reddy further noted that free e-bus transport services, a market complex, and grievance redressal mechanisms are already in place at Karmatand, while efforts are underway to further strengthen healthcare services, PDS facilities, community infrastructure, and Anganwadi Centres.

During his visit, the Minister inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) of Bharat Coking Coal Limited, which integrates advanced digital systems including CCTV surveillance, RFID-based access control, vehicle tracking systems, and automated weighment facilities, thereby enhancing safety, transparency, and operational efficiency across BCCL operations.

The Minister also inaugurated the Dugdha Solar Power Plant of BCCL, marking a significant step towards the adoption of clean energy, reduction of carbon emissions, and reinforcement of BCCL’s commitment to environmentally responsible and sustainable operations.

These initiatives collectively reaffirm the commitment of the Government of India, JRDA, and BCCL towards ensuring safe rehabilitation, improved quality of life, enhanced livelihood opportunities, and sustainable development for families affected by mining activities in the Jharia Coalfield. The integrated approach encompassing housing, education, healthcare, skill development, clean energy, and smart infrastructure is expected to significantly improve living standards while accelerating the rehabilitation process under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.

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Shuhaib T

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