Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, on the second day of his visit to Dhanbad, reviewed the progress of rehabilitation and development works being carried out under the Revised Jharia Master Plan (RJMP). During the visit, the Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several people-centric infrastructure projects at the Belgaria and Karmatand Rehabilitation Sites, aimed at ensuring safe, dignified, and sustainable living conditions for families affected by mining-related hazards in the Jharia Coalfield .
The Revised Jharia Master Plan, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in June 2025, addresses long-standing challenges such as underground mine fires, land subsidence, and unsafe habitation. Under the plan, the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) is responsible for rehabilitating non-BCCL families, while Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is overseeing rehabilitation within its operational areas.
Belgaria Rehabilitation Township
At the Belgaria Rehabilitation Township, the Minister inaugurated the JRDA Administrative Building and a Public Distribution System (PDS) shop, strengthening governance, colony management, and grievance redressal mechanisms for residents. He also laid foundation stones for key infrastructure works, including road widening projects (Phases II and III), installation of 500 LED solar streetlights, balance development works across multiple residential phases, and the upgradation of a primary school into a model institution equipped with digital classrooms, sanitation facilities, power backup, and modern educational infrastructure.
Belgaria, developed as the largest resettlement township under the RJMP, spans eight phases and includes 18,272 houses across 1,191 blocks, supported by comprehensive civic and social infrastructure. The administrative building and PDS shop have been completed at a project cost of ₹1.23 crore. As part of livelihood support initiatives, 11 e-rickshaws were distributed to rehabilitated families under BCCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme to promote sustainable income generation.
Commending the progress at Belgaria, the Minister emphasized timely execution, quality construction, and livelihood-oriented rehabilitation as essential elements for long-term social sustainability.
Karmatand Rehabilitation Site
At the Karmatand Rehabilitation Site, developed by BCCL for families relocated from endangered mining zones, the Minister noted that 4,008 houses have been constructed with assured water and electricity supply, wide internal roads, street lighting, and security arrangements. Addressing the gathering, Shri Reddy highlighted that the RJMP reflects the Government’s firm commitment to resolving unsafe habitation through a comprehensive and people-focused rehabilitation strategy.
The Minister inaugurated a newly refurbished Middle/High School, shifted from the Lodna area, which has been operational since November 2025 and provides upgraded educational facilities for children of rehabilitated families. He also inaugurated the Multi-Skill Development Institute (MSDI–IV), established in collaboration with the National Skill Development Council. The institute currently offers skill training in trades such as Customer Care Executive, Beautician, and Assistant Fitter, with scope for future expansion.
Additional facilities at Karmatand include free e-bus services, a market complex, grievance redressal systems, and ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare services, PDS infrastructure, Anganwadi centres, and community amenities.
During the visit, Shri Reddy also inaugurated BCCL’s Integrated Command and Control Centre, which integrates advanced digital systems such as CCTV surveillance, RFID-based access control, vehicle tracking, and automated weighment to enhance operational efficiency and safety. He further inaugurated the Dugdha Solar Power Plant, reinforcing BCCL’s commitment to clean energy adoption and environmentally responsible mining operations.
Collectively, these initiatives underscore the Government of India’s integrated approach to rehabilitation under the Revised Jharia Master Plan—combining housing, education, skill development, smart infrastructure, and renewable energy to significantly improve the quality of life for communities affected by mining activities in the Jharia Coalfield .
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