Displaced villagers continue protest in Pakur over compensation

Kartik Kumar

Pakur

The protest by displaced villagers from the Pachwara coal block area entered its fourth day on Monday, with hundreds of affected raiyats continuing their sit-in outside the district collectorate, demanding compensation and employment.

Addressing a press conference at the protest site, villagers from areas covered under the Pachwara Central and North coal blocks alleged that coal mining had been carried out on their land without proper compensation, rehabilitation, or jobs. They claimed that despite large-scale coal extraction, their grievances remain unresolved.

The protesters said the Pachwara Central coal block was allotted to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and the North coal block to West Bengal Power Corporation in March 2015. However, they alleged that no formal approval for acquiring raiyati land had been granted by either the Central or State government.

Villagers further alleged that land acquisition and leasing were carried out through fraudulent means and that mining operations were continuing with administrative support. They also claimed that explosives were being used for coal extraction on tribal land.

Several raiyats, including Mohan Murmu, Daniyal Murmu, Kalam Soren, Buddhim Soren, Ramlal Tudu, Chetan Hembrom, and Dulal Marandi, questioned the legality of the acquisition process and sought clarification on official approvals and documentation.

The protesters argued that the acquisition violated provisions of the Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act, particularly safeguards against transfer of tribal land. They also contended that under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, land acquisition for mining can only be undertaken by the Central government for public sector companies.

Social activist Munni Hansda backed the agitation, stating that the issue has already been raised before the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and in courts.

Deputy Commissioner Megha Bhardwaj, however, said compensation-related proceedings had already been completed and the file closed by a former DC. The protesters have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.