A high-level team inspected villages affected by the Hindalco Chakla Coal Block in Jharkhand, reviewing schools, Anganwadi centres, and health facilities. Locals complained of poor infrastructure despite land acquisition, prompting officials to prepare a report for administrative action.
A high-level administrative team conducted a ground inspection of the villages affected by the Hindalco’s Chakla Coal Block project in the Chakla Panchayat area of Latehar District on 02nd July. The visit aimed to assess the condition of basic public infrastructure like schools, Anganwadi centers, and health sub-centers that serve the local population.
The inspection team included LATEHAR Additional Collector Rama Ravidas, District Social Welfare Officer Alka Hembrom, and District Education Superintendent Prince Kumar. During the visit, the officials examined the physical and geographical status of government-run facilities in the project-affected areas.
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As part of the inspection, the officers took stock of existing buildings, availability of essential resources, and accessibility of services to the residents. Their findings are being compiled into a report that will soon be submitted to senior administrative authorities for review and further action. Local education resource person (BRP) Prateek Sinha, along with several villagers, accompanied the officials and shared their grievances. Residents expressed concern that although their land had been acquired years ago for the coal project, many promises related to infrastructure development and basic amenities remain unfulfilled.
They pointed out issues such as poor condition of schools, non-functional health centres, and inadequate Anganwadi services. “The companies took our land for development, but we are still waiting for the benefits. Basic facilities like clean water, education, and healthcare are still far from reach,” one of the villagers said.
The inspection brought attention to these gaps and signaled that the district administration is now taking steps to re-evaluate the actual impact of the project on local communities. Officials assured villagers that their concerns have been noted and that necessary improvements will be recommended.
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