New Delhi: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Wednesday reviewed the status of rehabilitation works in the Jharia Coalfield and inaugurated multiple infrastructure, education, skilling and clean-energy projects under the Revised Jharia Master Plan (RJMP) during a visit to Dhanbad.
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The minister reviewed progress at rehabilitation sites developed under the RJMP, which was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on June 25, 2025, to address long-standing issues of mine fires, land subsidence and unsafe habitation in the Jharia Coalfield. Under the plan, rehabilitation of non-BCCL families from endangered areas is being undertaken by the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) under the Jharkhand government, while Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) is responsible for resettlement within its operational areas.
At the Belgaria Rehabilitation Township, the minister inaugurated the JRDA Administrative Building and a Public Distribution System shop, aimed at facilitating local governance, colony management and grievance redressal for residents.
Foundation stones were also laid for road-widening works under Phases II and III, installation of 500 LED solar street lights, balance development works across Phases IV, VI, VII and VIII, and upgradation of the primary school into a model school with modern classrooms, digital learning facilities, sanitation infrastructure and power backup.
Belgaria, developed by JRDA as a rehabilitation township under the RJMP, comprises 18,272 houses across 1,191 blocks in eight phases, supported by civic, social and community infrastructure. The JRDA administrative building and PDS shop have been completed at a project cost of Rs 1.23 crore.
As part of BCCL’s CSR initiatives, 11 e-rickshaws were distributed to rehabilitated families at the site.
At the Karmatand Rehabilitation Site, developed by BCCL, the minister noted that 4,008 houses have been constructed with water and power supply, internal roads, street lighting and security arrangements for families relocated from endangered areas.
The minister inaugurated a middle and high school at Karmatand, which has been shifted from the Lodna area to a refurbished building and has been operational since November 1, 2025. The school caters to children from rehabilitated families and is equipped with upgraded furniture and facilities.
He also inaugurated the fourth Multi-Skill Development Institute at Karmatand, which has been operational since November 27, 2025, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Council. The institute currently offers training in trades such as customer care executive, beautician and assistant fitter, with scope for adding more courses.
According to the statement, free e-bus services, a market complex and grievance redressal mechanisms are already in place at Karmatand, while work is underway to strengthen healthcare services, PDS facilities, community infrastructure and Anganwadi centres.
During the visit, the minister inaugurated BCCL’s Integrated Command and Control Centre, which integrates CCTV surveillance, RFID-based access control, vehicle tracking systems and automated weighment facilities for monitoring operations.
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He also inaugurated the Dugdha Solar Power Plant of BCCL as part of the company’s renewable energy initiatives.
The ministry said the visit covered rehabilitation housing, education, skilling, digital systems and clean-energy infrastructure being implemented under the Revised Jharia Master Plan in the Jharia Coalfield.
