Coal Minister’s Dhanbad Visit Focuses on Jharia Fire Zone and Rehabilitation

G Kishan Reddy to Assess Coalfield Fires, Meet Affected Residents During Two-Day Tour

Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy embarks on a crucial visit to Dhanbad, aiming to address the longstanding issue of coalfield fires and resident rehabilitation in the Jharia region.

DHANBAD – Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has initiated a two-day tour of Dhanbad, focusing on the critical situation in the Jharia coalfield fire zone and associated development projects.

The Minister’s itinerary includes inspections of fire-affected areas and meetings with impacted residents.

Reddy is set to visit the Sijua Area and Kusunda fire zone during his stay.

He will assess the living conditions of displaced individuals at Belagaria Township.

The visit aims to gather first-hand information about the challenges faced by fire-affected communities.

A high-level meeting is scheduled to discuss the Jharia Master Plan and strategies to boost coal production.

This marks Reddy’s inaugural visit to Dhanbad as the Union Coal Minister.

Coal India Limited Chairman PM Prasad is accompanying the Minister on this significant tour.

The Minister addressed the media upon his arrival at the Barbadda airstrip, outlining his objectives.

BCCL CMD Samiran Dutta and senior officials conducted preparatory inspections of affected areas.

This is the second visit by a Union Coal Minister to the Jharia coalfield within a year.

A survey indicates that 1.4 lakh families reside in hazardous fire zones, with varying legal statuses.

The original Jharia Master Plan for rehabilitation expired in August 2021, necessitating new strategies.

Discussions on a new rehabilitation project are expected to involve CIL, BCCL, and local administration.

The Minister’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the complex issues in Jharia.