Displaced villagers stage indefinite protest in Pakur
Kartik Kumar
Pakur
Displaced villagers affected by coal mining operations in the Pachwara Central and North Coal Blocks in Amrapara have begun an indefinite protest outside the district collectorate, demanding revised compensation for their land.
Hundreds of men, women, and children from several villages in the coal mining belt gathered outside the Pakur district headquarters on Friday morning, pressing for their long-pending demands.
Coal extraction has been underway in the Pachwara Central and North blocks for years, but the displaced families allege that they have not received adequate compensation or rehabilitation benefits. Protesters claim that repeated appeals to coal companies and authorities have yielded no results.
“We have not received fair compensation, jobs, or even basic facilities promised to displaced families,” said Ramlal Hansda, one of the protesters. He added that despite continuous efforts since 2008, their grievances remain unaddressed. He also pointed out that committees meant to address the concerns of displaced people have not been formed.
Another protester, Mohan Murmu, said that the villagers are demanding compensation at the revised rate of ₹1.16 crore per acre, along with four times the amount as per provisions, and employment for at least one member of each affected family.
He further alleged irregularities in land acquisition, questioning how mining operations are being carried out without proper acquisition of land in some areas.
The protesters also highlighted the lack of basic amenities and support for displaced communities, despite ongoing mining activities.
Villagers stated that they will continue the indefinite protest until their demands are fulfilled. They added that they have previously raised their concerns before district authorities, public representatives, coal management, and even the ST Commission, but no concrete action has been taken so far.
The demonstration underscores growing unrest in the region over displacement, compensation, and rehabilitation linked to large-scale mining projects.
