Displaced families submit memorandum to DC
Kartik Kumar
Pakur
Representatives of displaced families from 20 villages affected by the Pachwara coal block projects met Deputy Commissioner Megha Bhardwaj on Monday and urged the administration to conduct all discussions related to rehabilitation, compensation, displacement and employment exclusively through their designated representative committees.
A delegation comprising members and office bearers of committees formed by affected raiyats submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner. The two committees—Gram Suraksha Visthapit Karya Samiti and Pachwara Coal Block Monitoring and Control Committee—have been constituted to represent families affected by the Pachwara Central and Pachwara North coal block projects.
Committee president Ranjan Marandi said nearly 20 villages are facing displacement due to the projects and stressed that all future negotiations with the administration and project authorities should take place in the presence of the committees to ensure transparency and proper representation of affected families.
“We have requested the DC to ensure that any future dialogue on these issues is held only through the committees,” Marandi said, adding that the administration had acknowledged the demand.
Suresh Tudu, president of the Monitoring and Control Committee, alleged that a protest held outside the collectorate on June 5 was influenced by outsiders who misled villagers. He asserted that all future discussions would be carried out strictly through the recognized committees.
The delegation also informed the DC that compensation for acquired land had already been paid and that project authorities were providing various support measures to affected families. According to the memorandum, nearly 19 categories of benefits are being extended, including employment opportunities, pensions, honorarium support, crop compensation, marriage assistance, medical aid, drinking water facilities, electricity supply, infrastructure development, transportation support and assistance for cultural, sports and community activities.
