The Union Ministry of Coal has decided to set up a high-level monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of the Rs. 5940 crores revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP), aimed at tackling the century’s old coalfield fires in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district and rehabilitating thousands of affected families. The decision, finalised through a letter by Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt to the Jharkhand Government, marks a renewed push to end one of India’s longest-running environmental crises.
Also Read: Centre Approved Rs. 5940 Crore Jharia Master Plan for Safer, Fire-Free Future
Panel to Supervise Implementation
The committee, to be co-chaired by the Coal Secretary and Jharkhand Chief Secretary, will hold regular reviews to ensure timely execution of the revised plan. Strengthening the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) has been identified as an immediate priority. The original master plan, approved in 2009 with an estimated cost of Rs. 7112 crores, expired in 2021 after limited progress, prompting the Centre to revise and relaunch it this year.
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Focus on Livelihood and Resettlement
The new master plan goes beyond relocation, integrating livelihood generation and skill development for displaced families. Each eligible household, both legal and non-legal title holders will receive a livelihood grant of Rs. 1 lakh and access to institutional credit of up to Rs. 3 lakh. The plan also includes provisions for roads, power, water, healthcare, education, and community centers at new settlement sites to ensure long-term stability and self-reliance.
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A Century of Coalfield Fires
Coal mining in Jharia dates back to 1916, when the first underground fire was reported. Decades of unscientific and profit-driven mining by private operators before nationalisation led to large-scale subsidence, land degradation, and persistent fires. Despite nationalisation and several studies, including a 1978 Polish-Indian survey identifying 77 fires across 41 collieries, the crisis has continued to threaten lives and the environment.
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Centre’s Renewed Commitment
Officials said that the revised Jharia Master Plan reflects the Centre’s determination to provide a sustainable and humane solution. The Coal Secretary has urged the Jharkhand Government to implement the plan “in its true letter and spirit.” With focused rehabilitation, livelihood creation, and modern monitoring, the project aims not only to extinguish the fires but also to restore dignity and safety to Jharia’s residents, ending a problem that has smouldered for more than a century.
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