Coal Ministry’s Endeavors in Jharia: Surface Fires Reduced, Rehabilitation Succeeds, and Coal Extraction Progresses

Jharia, September 25, 2023 – The Ministry of Coal’s tireless efforts in the Jharia coalfields have borne significant fruit, with a substantial reduction in surface fires, successful rehabilitation of affected families, and steady progress in coal extraction.

Dating back to 1916, the coal mines in Jharia Coalfield have been plagued by fires, a legacy of profit-driven, unscientific mining practices that neglected safety, conservation, and environmental concerns. However, recent developments signal a brighter future for the region.

Efforts to tackle the fire predicament began in earnest in 1978 when a Polish team and Indian experts were appointed to study the situation. Their investigations identified 77 fires across 41 collieries of BCCL. In 1996, the Government of India established a High-Power Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, to address the issues of fire and subsidence in Jharia.

Two masterplans were formulated in 1999, later revised and updated in 2004, focusing on fire management and the rehabilitation and resettlement of affected communities. The comprehensive Jharia Master Plan (JMP), approved in 2009, aimed to deal with fires, subsidence, and rehabilitation. The plan identified 595 sites for rehabilitation, covering an area of 25.70 square kilometers, with an estimated investment of Rs. 7112.11 crores.

Monitoring the progress of the JMP, the Ministry of Coal oversaw a significant reduction in fire-affected areas, from 77 sites (Pre-Nationalization) to 67 sites (as per Jharia Master Plan, 2009), covering 17.32 sq. km to 1.8 sq. km, according to surveys conducted in 2021. The implementation of 27 fire projects, employing advanced technologies such as surface sealing, trenching, inert gas infusion, and remote sand-bentonite mixture flushing, played a crucial role in this achievement.

Rehabilitation emerged as a critical component of the JMP, with a focus on skill development, employment opportunities, and inclusive shifting for three categories of the population: legal title holders, non-legal title holders, and families of BCCL employees. Out of the required 15,713 houses, BCCL has constructed 11,798, with the remaining under construction. JRDA will allocate 8,000 houses to legal title holder families.

Despite challenges, including technological limitations in assessing underground fires and perceptions among affected families, the Ministry of Coal showed determination and dedication. Comprehensive planning, including the diversion of infrastructure, detailed project reports, and substantial funding for fire management and rehabilitation, underscored the commitment to the cause.

Even after the Jharia Master Plan’s expiration in August 2021, the Ministry of Coal continued to review activities undertaken by BCCL & JRDA. A committee formed in 2022, led by Secretary Coal, proposed a way forward that was approved by the Committee of Secretaries, offering cash compensation instead of house construction and ownership rights to affected families, along with essential amenities.

Amid rehabilitation efforts, coal extraction remained a priority, with approximately 43 MT of coal extracted by June 2023, valued at about Rs. 14,000 Crores out of the estimated 107MT.

The Ministry of Coal remains steadfast in its commitment to bring about positive changes in Jharia. The region will undergo scientific closure once coal extraction is complete, marking a transformation from a troubled past to a symbol of progress and prosperity.

The Ministry’s dedication and hard work have led to remarkable advancements, demonstrating its proactive stance and unwavering determination to secure a brighter and safer future for the people of Jharia.