Residents of Lukodiya village and nearby areas under Khalkari block, Khalari, Ranchi affected by mining projects of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), have decided not to part with their land for any future expansion unless they receive fair compensation, proper rehabilitation, and promised jobs. The decision came during a traditional joint village meeting organised on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Ramjeet Oraon, attended by dozens of affected families from Henjda, Kutki, and Dembua.
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Villagers Alleged 53 Years of Neglect
The villagers recalled that land acquisition for mining in the North Karanpura, Piparwar, and Magadh-Amrapali projects was completed under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, and the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. Despite this, displaced families said they had been running from one CCL office to another for decades without relief. “Since nationalisation in 1972, we have not received adequate compensation, employment, or even basic facilities,” said one villager.
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Locals from affected villages such as Manki Basti, Munda Toli, Dakra, Bari Simar, and Rohaniyatand said that rehabilitation colonies still lack roads, schools, drinking water, and healthcare. They accused CCL of making promises before mining began but failing to deliver them on the ground. Residents demanded land return after mining, issuance of land receipts, and implementation of pending job commitments.
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Protests Scheduled Across CCL Project Areas
In a unanimous resolution, villagers decided to hold a series of protests on October 29 in front of the Dakra General Manager’s office, on 31st October at Piparwar, and on 4th November at Tandwa Block Office. A separate sit-in is also planned at Khalkari Circle Office. “Until our demands are met, no further land will be handed over,” the meeting concluded.
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Call for Government Intervention
The villagers urged the Jharkhand Government to mediate between CCL and the affected landowners to ensure a transparent and fair process. They warned that if their demands for compensation, rehabilitation, and livelihood restoration are ignored, the agitation would intensify across all mining-affected blocks in the region.
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