The Jharkhand High Court has directed Central Coalfields Limited (CCL) to submit a detailed socio-economic survey report of families displaced by the Tandwa coal mining project in Chatra district. The directive came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by the Coal Project Displaced Welfare Committee.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Rajesh Shankar expressed concern over CCL’s failure to comply with its earlier order and has now scheduled the next hearing for 28th July.
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Background and Allegations
According to advocate Chanchal Jain, appearing for the petitioners, CCL began coal mining operations in Tandwa following a land acquisition in 1994. However, compensation and proper rehabilitation of the displaced landowners and long-term residents have reportedly not been provided.
The petitioners allege that families, including those living for decades on forest and GM (gair majrua) lands, remain uncompensated despite their displacement.
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State and CCL Stand
The state government has submitted that individuals residing for over 30 years on such lands are eligible for compensation under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Meanwhile, CCL maintains it cannot pay both the state and the individual landowners.
However, the court clarified that mining royalties and compensation to raiyats (original landowners) must be treated as distinct liabilities, requiring separate payments.
Next Steps Ordered by the Court
CCL must conduct and present a comprehensive socio-economic survey of the affected population. The state government is instructed to assist by providing relevant land records and documents. Verification of forest rights claims will be carried out by the appropriate committees as per the Forest Rights Act.
The High Court highlighted the need for transparent, just, and timely compensation and rehabilitation for the displaced population.
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