The special committee (questions and calling attention) of the state assembly convened to examine issues related to mining and overburden dumping on raiyat (private landholders), as well as government and forest lands, allegedly by coal PSUs including BCCL, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), and several outsourcing firms operating in Dhanbad district on Tuesday.
Mahato, an MLA from the ruling JMM, indicated that BCCL has utilized not just raiyat lands, but also government lands.
“The amount for utilizing the land was determined to be ₹200 crore, which BCCL has accepted and subsequently deposited into the bank account of the state government,” he stated at a press conference here.
He further mentioned that Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) have confirmed their use of government land for mining operations.
“These companies have also consented to pay revenue to the government, which is anticipated to generate over ₹1,000 crore in revenue for the state,” the assembly committee chairperson noted.
He recalled that nearly nine months ago, Sindri MLA Chandradev Mahato had raised concerns in the Assembly regarding overburden dumping by an outsourcing company in Suranga, leading to the formation of the Special Committee of the Legislative Assembly.
“The committee is working to ensure that all raiyats whose lands are exploited for mining activities receive full and fair compensation,” he emphasized.
Mathura Mahato claimed that the Dhanbad district administration and BCCL had been instructed to address the issues faced by the raiyats.
“BCCL has also recognized that compensation will be given to the raiyats,” Mathura Mahato stated.
Nirsa MLA Arup Chatterjee, who is a member of the committee, mentioned that the committee’s goal is to avert revenue losses and ensure prompt compensation disbursement to the raiyats.
He added that an assessment will be performed to evaluate the extent of government land used for unauthorized mining over the last five to six decades, after which appropriate compensation will be sought.
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“Following a proposal from Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan, a decision was made to conduct the survey utilizing drone-based technology,” Mahto informed.
“This technology will facilitate the capture of high-density 3D data and imagery, allowing for the generation of a highly accurate Digital Terrain Model and topographical map of the land. To expedite this initiative, consultations will be held with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad,” Aditya Ranjan explained.
The committee also issued directives to survey government lands that have been used without necessary permissions by Maithon Power Limited in Nirsa, and by Tata Colliery in Sijua and Bhelatand.
