THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Jan 16: The long-shut Rajhara Colliery in Jharkhand’s Palamu district is set to restart operations on January 17, with Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey scheduled to inaugurate the revival, according to Vishnu Dayal Ram.
The Rajhara Colliery, operated under Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), has remained closed since 2010 after a sudden rush of water and collapse of rock strata raised serious safety concerns. Addressing a press conference, MP Vishnu Dayal Ram said he had been consistently pursuing the matter since 2014 to ensure the mine’s reopening.
The Union minister is expected to arrive at the Rajhara Colliery site around 3 pm on Saturday to formally declare the restart.
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Displaced raiyyats, jobs and compensation
The MP said the issue of displaced raiyyats has also been taken up as part of the revival process. So far, two raiyyats have received employment, while four cases are awaiting final approval. Claims of five raiyyats are under scrutiny, and nine raiyyats are yet to submit job claims.
He clarified that employment eligibility is linked to land acquisition, with jobs being provided against a minimum of two acres of land falling within the mining lease area.
Coal reserves and economic impact
According to the MP, Rajhara Colliery contains G-9 grade coal, suitable for thermal power generation. The mine holds an estimated 4.9 million tonnes of coal reserves, sufficient for approximately 18 years of mining operations.
“The restart of the Rajhara Colliery will significantly strengthen both the rural economy and the local landscape,” Vishnu Dayal Ram said.
CSR focus on local development
The MP further stated that the colliery management will actively discharge its corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations, with a focus on improving drinking water supply, school education, and healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas.
