Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren held a high-level meeting with Union Minister of State for Coal, Satish Chandra Dubey, at the Jharkhand Assembly complex on Tuesday. The meeting focused on issues related to coal mining activities, their environmental impact, local employment, rehabilitation of affected communities, and regional development.
During the discussions, Chief Minister Soren strongly emphasized the need for protecting the interests of local people in mining-affected areas. He raised concerns regarding displacement, ecological imbalance, and the lack of adequate basic infrastructure in these regions. He urged that both the central and state governments must jointly ensure the rehabilitation of affected families, generate employment opportunities, and restore environmental balance.
The Chief Minister categorically stated that land acquired for mining purposes should be returned to the original landowners (raiyats) after mining operations are completed. He called upon the central government to transfer such land back to the state, enabling it to restore ownership to local communities.
Soren highlighted the need for a people-centric approach in coal mining operations, ensuring that the local population is meaningfully involved in development processes. He stressed that revenue generated from mining activities must be directed towards improving the lives of those directly impacted.
Union Minister Satish Chandra Dubey responded positively, assuring full cooperation from the central government. He said that the centre is committed to the overall development of Jharkhand and will work in coordination with the state to find sustainable solutions to the challenges raised by the Chief Minister.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, Mines Secretary Arwa Rajkamal, Mines Director Rahul Sinha, CMD of CMPDI Manoj Kumar, CMD of BCCL Sameeran Dutta, CMD of CCL Neelendu Kumar Singh, and BCCL Director Technical M. K. Agrawal.
