Dhanbad: Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy reviewed Jharia rehabilitation works in Dhanbad and launched key projects under the Revised Jharia Master Plan on the second day of his visit.
The Minister inspected rehabilitation progress in the Jharia Coalfield and inaugurated facilities at the Belgaria and Karmatand sites. CISF personnel accorded him a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the BCCL Guest House.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Revised Jharia Master Plan on June 25, 2025. The plan targeted mine fires, land subsidence and unsafe habitation. Under the framework, the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority handled non-BCCL families. Bharat Coking Coal Limited managed rehabilitation inside its operational areas.
At the Belgaria Rehabilitation Township, Reddy inaugurated the JRDA Administrative Building and a Public Distribution System shop. Officials said the facilities would ensure effective governance and faster grievance redressal.
The Minister also laid foundation stones for road widening under Phases II and III. He launched work for 500 LED solar street lights. He further approved balance development for Phases IV, VI, VII and VIII. Authorities also announced the upgradation of the primary school into a model school.
Belgaria stands as the largest resettlement township under JRDA. Developers built the township across eight phases. It includes 1,191 blocks and 18,272 houses. Civic and community infrastructure supports the settlement. Officials completed the administrative building and PDS shop at a cost of ₹1.23 crore. BCCL also distributed 11 e-rickshaws under its CSR programme to support livelihoods.
Jharia rehabilitation expands at Karmatand with housing and skills
At the Karmatand Rehabilitation Site, Reddy reviewed facilities developed by BCCL. He noted that authorities had completed 4,008 houses. The site includes assured water supply, power connections, wide roads, lighting and security systems.
Addressing residents, the Minister said the Jharia rehabilitation plan reflected the government’s commitment to safe and dignified living. He added that BCCL had developed several resettlement sites under the RJMP.
Reddy inaugurated the Middle and High School at Karmatand. Authorities shifted the school from Lodna to a refurbished building. The school has operated since November 1, 2025. It now serves children from rehabilitated families with upgraded facilities.
The Minister also inaugurated the Multi-Skill Development Institute-IV at Karmatand. The institute began operations on November 27, 2025. It functions in collaboration with the National Skill Development Council. It offers training in customer care, beautician services and assistant fitter trades.
Reddy said free e-bus services, a market complex and grievance redressal systems already functioned at the site. Officials also worked to strengthen healthcare, PDS services, Anganwadi centres and community facilities.
During the visit, the Minister inaugurated BCCL’s Integrated Command and Control Centre. The centre integrates CCTV surveillance, RFID access, vehicle tracking and automated weighment systems. Officials said the system would improve safety and transparency.
He also inaugurated the Dugdha Solar Power Plant of BCCL. Officials said the project marked a step towards clean energy and lower carbon emissions.
Authorities said the coordinated efforts of the Centre, JRDA and BCCL would speed up Jharia rehabilitation. They added that the projects would improve housing, education, skills and livelihoods for affected families.
