Cabinet Approves Revised ?5,940 Crore Jharia Master Plan

New Delhi – The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a revised Jharia Master Plan worth ?5,940.47 crore. The plan aims to tackle long-standing issues of underground fires, land subsidence, and the rehabilitation of affected families in the Jharia coalfields of Jharkhand.

According to the official statement, the revised plan will adopt a phased approach, prioritizing high-risk areas for fire control, land stabilization, and resettlement efforts.

The updated plan focuses heavily on ensuring sustainable livelihoods for displaced families. It includes targeted skill development programs and income-generating initiatives to promote financial independence.

Both legal and non-legal titleholder families will receive a ?1 lakh livelihood grant and access to institutional credit of up to ?3 lakh.

The plan also includes the development of key infrastructure at relocation sites—such as roads, electricity, water supply, schools, hospitals, and community facilities—based on recommendations from the Jharia Master Plan Implementation Committee.

A dedicated Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund will be created to support economic activities, while Multi Skill Development Institutes will help implement training programs.

The Jharia coalfields have long suffered from underground fires and land subsidence due to outdated mining practices, posing serious environmental and safety risks for residents.

With inputs from IANS