Supreme Court Allows Jharkhand to Declare 31,468 Hectares of Saranda as Sanctuary, Exempts SAIL Mines
The Supreme Court granted Jharkhand Government permission to declare 31,468.25 hectares of Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary, reducing the earlier proposed 57,000 hectares. The court exempted SAIL’s operational and valid mining leases from the sanctuary area, providing major relief to both the state and the PSU. The government must submit an affidavit within a week.
SAIL Warns Sanctuary Status for Saranda May Hit Defence and Transport Sectors
SAIL urged the Supreme Court to reconsider declaring Jharkhand’s Saranda forest a wildlife sanctuary, citing that 50% of its iron ore needs come from the region. The PSU supplies steel to DRDO, ISRO, and Indian Railways, including for Chandrayaan. SAIL argued that the move could disrupt mining and affect defence, transport, and national infrastructure operations.
Jharkhand Committed to Saranda Sanctuary, But Human Resource Shortage a Major Hurdle
Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore said the government is committed to declaring Saranda a wildlife sanctuary but warned that inadequate manpower could hinder forest protection. Of 157 sanctioned posts, 54 remain vacant. He stressed that such a vast 600 sq km forest requires proper planning and resources, not just a declaration on paper, before implementation.
GR Infraprojects Wins Rs. 290 Crore Giridih Bypass Project in Jharkhand
GR Infraprojects Ltd has received the Letter of Acceptance from the State Highways Authority of Jharkhand for constructing the 26.67 km Giridih Bypass towards Tundi at a cost of Rs. 290.23 crore. The project will be executed on an EPC basis and completed within 24 months, further strengthening the company’s infrastructure presence in eastern India.
Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik Reviews Operations at Bokaro Steel Plant
Union Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik visited Bokaro Steel Plant on Wednesday, reviewing operations and ongoing projects including Sinter Plant-2, CCS, and Cold Rolling Mill-3. He assessed departmental performance and issued key directives for improvement. Later, he held a review meeting with senior BSL officials and interacted with employees at the Gyanarjan and Development Centre.
Coal India Signs MoU with IRCON to Boost Coal Transportation Infrastructure
Coal India Limited (CIL) on Wednesday signed an MoU with IRCON International to enhance coal transportation infrastructure. The agreement, signed by CIL Technical Director Achyut Ghatak and IRCON Executive Director Ajit Kumar Mishra, aims to leverage IRCON’s technical expertise for planning, designing, and executing rail infrastructure projects, improving coal evacuation and logistics efficiency across CIL’s subsidiaries.
New Law Planned for Coal Workers’ Pension and Social Security
The Coal Ministry is drafting a new law to ensure pension and social security benefits for coal sector employees, replacing the 77-year-old Coal Mines Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1948. The proposed “Coal Mines Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill, 2025” aims to create a stronger, accountable regulatory framework aligned with modern labour and digital reforms.
CMPDI to Showcase Next-Gen Mining Innovations Using 5G at India Mobile Congress 2025
CMPDI is participating in the India Mobile Congress 2025 in New Delhi, where it will showcase its advancements in next-generation mining through 5G innovation. The exhibit highlights the use of reliable networks for safer, smarter, and digitally advanced mining operations. CMD Manoj Kumar inaugurated the exhibition along with Technical Director Ajay Kumar and senior officials.
CCL’s ‘National PR Conclave 2025’ Begins in Ranchi
The two-day National PR Conclave 2025, organized by Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), was inaugurated at CCL headquarters’ Gangotri Convention Centre. Themed “Redefining PR: From Information to Engagement in the Era of Digitalization,” the event brought together top officials, PR experts, journalists, and academicians to discuss trust-driven communication, strategic storytelling, and the evolving role of PR in India’s digital era.
Coal Transport May Halt as Traders Protest New Sampling Policy
Coal traders have decided to stop providing dumpers and transport vehicles to railway sidings from Thursday, protesting Coal India’s new sampling policy implemented on 1st October. The move may disrupt loading operations in BCCL, CCL, and ECL areas. Traders claim the policy, which mandates lab-based sampling at company cost, will raise expenses by Rs. 800 to Rs. 1500 per consignment.
ACB Seeks Nod to Launch Preliminary Probe in Pakur Stone Mining Scam
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is set to register a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) into the alleged stone mining scam in Pakur district. The bureau has sought permission from the Cabinet Secretariat and Vigilance Department, submitting verification reports, complaint copies, and related documents. The case involves allegations of obtaining environmental clearances through forged documents, currently pending before the Jharkhand High Court.
FIRs in Fake GST Bill Cases to End, Action Only Under GST Act Now
In a major policy shift, fake GST bill and tax evasion cases will now be dealt with solely under the GST Act. Police or ED can no longer register FIRs or act directly without approval from the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI). The move aims to prevent overlap with PMLA and ensure Ease of Doing Business.
Complete All Works at Bokaro Airport by November: DC Ajay Nath Jha
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha directed officials to complete all pending works at Bokaro Airport by the first week of November to enable flight operations. In a review meeting, the DC instructed BSL to clear airport bushes by October 15 and ordered SDO Chas to begin relocating butcher shops by Diwali to ensure operational clearance.
CSIR-CIMFR Played Key Role in Flattening Ulwe Hill for Navi Mumbai Airport Construction
Dhanbad-based CSIR-CIMFR’s Rock Engineering Research Group executed one of India’s toughest engineering feats flattening the 92-metre Ulwe Hill for the newly inaugurated Navi Mumbai Airport. Using advanced controlled blasting near populated areas, the team ensured zero damage. Around 62 million cubic metres of rock were excavated safely. CSIR-CIMFR will now oversee metro and Aero City excavation works.
Second Contract Worker Injured in BSL Accident Died
The second contract worker, Om Prakash Mohli, injured in the 28th September accident at Bokaro Steel Plant’s SMS-02 unit, succumbed to his burns at BGH on Tuesday. Earlier, one worker had died on 3rd October, while another remains under treatment. Following company policy, BSL offered a permanent job to Mohli’s wife, Asha Mohli, as compensation.
Contract Workers Halt Production at Chasnala Colliery Over PF and Bonus Dues
Dhanbad: Contract workers at SAIL’s Chasnala Colliery went on strike Wednesday, halting coal production to protest non-payment of PF, pension, and bonuses pending for nearly 20 years. The workers alleged that PF deductions were made but never deposited. They warned of an indefinite sit-in if management and contractors fail to address their demands immediately.
64 Promoted DSPs Await Posting for Four Months; One Officer Retires Before Joining
Four months after promotion, 64 Jharkhand Police inspectors elevated to DSP rank are still awaiting postings, causing financial and career setbacks. One officer, Ajay Kumar, retired before assuming his new post, while a dozen others are nearing retirement. Similarly, 39 DSPs appointed through JPSC have completed training but remain unposted, adding to administrative delays.
Over 72,000 Mutation Cases Pending Across Jharkhand; ACB Targets Corrupt Circle Officers
A staggering 72488 land mutation cases remain pending across Jharkhand’s 268 circles, including 19,048 in Ranchi alone. Officials said Jharnet server glitches, but the Anti-Corruption Bureau suspects bribery delays. Many Circle Officers reportedly stall approvals unless paid. The government has ordered a statewide review, warning strict action against officers found responsible for the growing backlog and irregularities.
Jharkhand High Court Seeks Progress Report on Appointments in Energy Department
The Jharkhand High Court, led by Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar, directed the State Government to submit a progress report on regular appointments to key posts, including MD and GM, in Jharkhand Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (JUVNL). During the hearing, the government informed the court that the recruitment process has already begun.
Tribal Communities Hold Massive Rallies in Bokaro and Chandil Against Kurmi ST Demand
Thousands of tribals participated in massive rallies on Wednesday opposing the inclusion of the Kurmi community in the Scheduled Tribe list. Carrying traditional weapons and religious flags, protestors vowed to protect tribal identity, culture, and rights. They also demanded the implementation of the Sarna Dharma Code and PESA Act. Tight security arrangements were in place during the rallies.
Former Hazaribagh CO Claims DC Vinay Choubey Ordered Land Mutation in Presence of Vinay Singh
In a major twist in the forest land scam, former Circle Officer Alka Kumari told the ACB court that then Deputy Commissioner Vinay Choubey directed her in 2010 to mutate disputed land in the presence of accused Vinay Singh. She alleged she acted under pressure despite objecting that part of the land was government-owned. The ACB continues its probe.
Hazaribagh Jail Superintendent Suspended Jailer, 6 Ex-Servicemen Removed Over Irregularities
The Jailer and five wardens of Hazaribagh Central Jail have been suspended, while six ex-servicemen wardens on contract were dismissed for alleged irregularities and collusion with inmates. A magistrate is now posted 24×7 at the main gate, with CCTV surveillance tightened. The action follows reports of a high-profile inmate receiving unauthorized privileges inside the jail.
JJMP Extremists Paste Threat Posters at RKS Construction Site in Amrapali Project
Tension gripped the Amrapali project area after JJMP extremists pasted posters at the RKS Construction Company site late Tuesday night. Around 25 armed rebels held the site guard hostage and warned the company not to continue work without “managing” the organization, giving a two-day ultimatum. Despite a nearby police outpost, the incident triggered panic among workers and management.
Public Hearing Held for Tokisud-II Coal Mine Project
A public hearing was held in Tokisud village for the proposed Tokisud-II coal mine by Twenty First Century Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai. Chaired by Ramgarh Additional Collector Geetanjali, villagers voiced concerns about environmental impact, compensation, and jobs. Company CEO Revati Raman Srivastava assured fair compensation, local employment, and environmental safeguards, easing apprehensions. Hundreds of villagers, officials, and local leaders participated.
CPI (ML) Demands Cancellation of Adani’s Gondalpura Coal Project
The CPI (ML) has demanded the cancellation of Adani Group’s Gondalpura Coal Project in Hazaribagh, calling it disastrous for Jharkhand’s environment and local communities. Party leader Manoj Bhakt alleged that nearly half of the 1060-acre mining area is forest land, endangering rivers and ecosystems. He warned that around 2000 families could face displacement if mining proceeds.
Stop Exploiting Workers, Ensure Fair Wages and Local Employment: Sonia
Addressing an AITUC meeting near KTPS Banjhedih, union leader Sonia Devi accused the DVC management of exploiting workers by forcing 12-hour shifts without overtime pay. She demanded adherence to the 8-hour work rule, priority jobs for displaced locals over outsiders, and construction of a workers’ bike stand, warning of protests if exploitation continues.
Jharkhand HC Rejected Bail Pleas of Vicky Bhalotia and Amit Gupta in GST Scam
The Jharkhand High Court on Wednesday dismissed the bail petitions of accused Vicky Bhalotia alias Amit Agarwal and Amit Gupta in the Rs. 800 crores GST fraud case from Jamshedpur. Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad upheld the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) stance. The ED investigation revealed fake GST entries worth Rs. 14,325 crore and fraudulent tax credit claims exceeding Rs. 800 crores.
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