MoS Coal Satish Chandra Dubey Reviews BCCL Operations, Inspects Jharia Rehabilitation Work in Dhanbad – Indian PSU
Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, arrived in Dhanbad on a three-day visit to Jharkhand and chaired a high-level review meeting at Coal Bhawan while inspecting key rehabilitation and development works under the Jharia Master Plan.
The Minister began his visit with an inspection of Belgharia Township, where large-scale rehabilitation of families displaced from fire-affected areas of Jharia is underway. During the visit, he reviewed ongoing development work and interacted with officials regarding facilities being provided to rehabilitated families, along with challenges and progress.
Senior officials present on the occasion included Jharia MLA Ragini Singh, Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan, BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal, along with directors and officials from the Ministry of Coal, BCCL, and district administration.
Addressing a gathering at the township, the Minister emphasized that the rehabilitation initiative is not merely relocation but a comprehensive effort to improve the quality of life of affected families. He urged eligible families to actively participate in the rehabilitation process and directed agencies to ensure timely completion of all work without excluding any beneficiary.
During the visit, Dubey laid the foundation stone for a livelihood and employment generation project under BCCL’s CSR initiatives. He also distributed e-rickshaw keys to five beneficiaries, highlighting the importance of such initiatives in strengthening economic empowerment at the grassroots level. He appreciated women entrepreneurs associated with CSR-supported schemes and stressed the role of skill development and self-employment in sustainable regional development.
Following the site inspection, the Minister chaired a high-level review meeting at Coal Bhawan headquarters. The meeting was attended by senior officials including SSP Prabhat Kumar, BCCL directors, CISF officials, JRDA representatives, and departmental heads.
The review focused on major projects under the Jharia Master Plan, coal production performance, safety measures, coal quality improvement, and rehabilitation progress. Director (Technical Operations) Sanjay Kumar Singh presented a detailed overview of BCCL’s operations, CSR activities, environmental initiatives, and future strategies.
Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan also presented updates on infrastructure development in Belgharia Township, including education, healthcare, roads, electricity, water supply, and livelihood initiatives being implemented through the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA).
In his address, Dubey underscored that the coal sector remains central to India’s energy security and must balance production with environmental responsibility, rehabilitation, and worker welfare. He described the Jharia Rehabilitation Scheme as a humanitarian initiative aimed at ensuring a safe and dignified life for displaced families.
The Minister stressed the importance of coordination between BCCL and JRDA and directed officials to ensure transparent and timely implementation of all projects. He also emphasized prioritizing safety in mining operations and called for stricter vigilance to curb illegal mining activities.
Addressing concerns related to land subsidence and gas emissions in fire-affected areas such as Tandabari and Kenduadih, he noted that these regions have been declared highly sensitive by technical experts, making rehabilitation the only long-term solution.
The visit commenced with a formal welcome by BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal, who highlighted the company’s achievements and reaffirmed its commitment to safety, production, and national energy security.
