SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 10: Over 1000 families residing in the hazardous Jharia mines fire zone will soon be relocated to Belagaria Township, as part of the ongoing rehabilitation efforts. This move comes in response to the severe risks posed by the fire zone, which has long been a danger to the residents.
Shift to Belagaria Township Quarters
Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Managing Director of Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), Madhvi Mishra, said that more than 1000 non-legal title holder (Non-LTH) families living in 81 fire-affected areas will be relocated to Belagaria Township on a priority basis.
During a review of the JRDA’s progress, Mishra directed concerned authorities to expedite the relocation process and ensure compensation is provided to the identified families.
Fire Zone Statistics and Background
According to the most recent official survey, approximately 1.4 lakh people, from 946 families, are living in 595 fire-affected areas of the Jharia coalfield.
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Among these, 32,064 families are legal landholders (LLH), while 72,882 families are considered encroachers, without legal titles to the land they occupy.
Non-Legal Title Holders are those who live on land owned by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in the fire zone but lack formal title rights.
Welfare Measures for Displaced Families
To support the displaced families, Deputy Commissioner Madhvi Mishra has ordered that special welfare camps be held in Belagaria Township on the 15th of each month.
These camps will offer health services, help with obtaining ration cards, Ayushman cards, handicapped certificates, death certificates, and assistance under the Maiyya Samman Yojna.
The aim is to ensure that all displaced families are provided with the benefits of state welfare schemes.
Challenges in Relocation and Township Conditions
Despite the relocation plans, many Jharia residents are reluctant to move to Belagaria Township due to the lack of basic amenities and its distance from the coal city. The Township’s infrastructure is underdeveloped, and residents are concerned about finding resources for their livelihood.
In response, the Deputy Commissioner has directed the formation of self-help groups (SHGs) within the Township to encourage employment opportunities. Additionally, electric buses will be introduced to transport the relocated families, aiming to ease their transition.
