- The Gondalpura coal block holds a geological reserve of 176 million tonnes of coal.
- The project is expected to yield 4 million tonnes of coal annually.
- Acquisition of 513.18 hectares of land will be necessary, including 219.8 hectares of forest land.
- The project will entail the displacement of 783 families.
- The estimated cost of the project is Rs 16,172.70 crores.
Barkagaon (Hazaribag): The Hazaribag district administration achieved a significant milestone on Friday by successfully organizing a Gram Sabha in Mahugai Kala Panchayat concerning the Gondalpura mining project, which has been allocated to Adani Enterprises Limited by the Ministry of Coal.
During the gathering, senior administrative officials, along with advisors from the Center for Advancing and Launching Enterprises (CrAdLE), provided comprehensive details about the rehabilitation plan developed by the Hazaribag Collector cum Administrator.
This plan addresses the potential displacement of individuals and families due to land acquisition and is in accordance with the provisions of Sections 16(4) and (5) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Act of 2013.
The Gram Sabha saw a substantial turnout of villagers, with the majority expressing support for the project. However, some villagers also voiced their concerns regarding rehabilitation and compensation.
Officials from the district administration presided over the Gram Sabha and meticulously documented the villagers’ requests. The event was attended by Magistrate Deepak Kumar Dubey, Circle Officer Baleshwar Ram, CI Anuj Kumar, Revenue Officer Ashish Kumar, Jitendra Kumar, and Station Officer Vinod Tirkey.
Employment Opportunities and Revenue Prospects
Officials from the Mining Department disclosed that the commencement of Adani Enterprises’ Gondalpura mining project is anticipated to generate approximately 600 crore rupees in annual revenue for the state government. Moreover, the project is set to create direct and indirect employment opportunities for five to ten thousand individuals in Hazaribag district. The coal mining operations will also help in curbing illegal coal smuggling, leading to substantial revenue benefits for the government and an enhancement of public welfare programmes.
Jharkhand, being a major coal-producing state in India, will see the introduction of modern mining technology to strike a balance between environmental preservation and economic growth.
