Chief Secretary for early operation of coal blocks in Jharkhand 

Ranchi, January 15: Amid the impasse over centre and Jharkhand over realization of pending outstanding coal royalties dues as claimed by chief minister Hemant Soren, state chief secretary on Wednesday instructed for resolving issues for early commencement of operations at allocated coal blocks.

Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari on Wednesday directed officials concerned to resolve issues hindering the commencement of operations of 34 coal blocks allocated by the government.

She emphasised that the sooner these coal blocks are made functional, the quicker economic activities in the region will gain momentum. This, in turn, will generate employment opportunities and boost the state government’s revenue.

She urged all stakeholders to work on a priority basis to address the issues.

During a meeting held under her chairmanship on Wednesday, Alka Tiwari issued these directives while reviewing the challenges related to starting the coal blocks.

During the review, it was observed that most of the delays in operationalising the allotted coal blocks stemmed from issues such as land acquisition, rate calculations, compensation, forest clearances, land transfers, and infrastructural challenges like drains, rivers, and roads passing through coal block areas. In some cases, law-and-order concerns were also identified.

The Chief Secretary instructed the concerned Deputy Commissioners to address these problems within a fixed timeframe.

The review revealed that mining operations could commence immediately in four coal blocks: Rajhara (Palamu), Tubed (Latehar), and Badam and Moitra JSW (both in Hazaribagh district). These mines are expected to become operational within a week. For nine other coal blocks, most issues have been resolved, and operations are also expected to begin shortly.

As for the remaining coal blocks, the Chief Secretary directed the relevant authorities to expedite solutions and operationalize them as soon as possible.

The Chief Secretary further instructed the representatives of the allocated coal blocks to submit necessary documents promptly to the concerned departments and district administrations.

She emphasized the need for proper coordination with the administration to resolve the challenges in making the coal blocks operational. She advised that in areas facing law-and-order issues, coal companies should foster goodwill and harmony among the local population.

She also urged these companies to establish offices on-site, fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, engage with the community, and complete all required formalities to begin mining activities.

For coal blocks allotted to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), the Chief Secretary stressed the need for government officials to adopt a proactive approach to resolve the associated challenges.

The review meeting was attended by senior officials, including forest and environment secretary Abu Bakkar Siddiqui, finance secretary Prashant Kumar, revenue and land reforms secretary  Chandrashekhar, mines secretary Jitendra Singh, mines Director Rahul Sinha among others.