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The Central Government has resolved to develop Belgaria Township in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, into a model township to rehabilitate families displaced by underground coal-mine fires and land subsidence. As many as 1.4 lakh families remain in hazardous zones, but only about 4,000 have been relocated so far. The proposed model township will deliver essential services: water, electricity, security, livelihood opportunities and civic infrastructure. The plan has been reinforced under the revamped Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP) - backed by a ?5,940.47 crore budget - which envisages sustained rehabilitation, safe relocation, community services and long-term livelihood support for affected residents.
The Central Government has decided to redevelop Belgaria Township in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, as a model township, said Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt during the inauguration of the new administrative building of the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA). The township has been envisaged to resettle families living in fire-affected and subsidence-prone zones of underground coal mines. Under the proposed programme, residents will receive access to basic amenities including water, electricity, security and employment, along with other necessary civic facilities. Advertisement
During his visit, Dutt met displaced families, heard their grievances and inspected the colony's existing infrastructure. He assured them that Belgaria would soon be equipped with the same amenities as other safer colonies in Dhanbad, and pledged that it would be transformed into a model residential area with upgraded facilities.
An official survey reveals that more than 1.4 lakh families remain in dangerous zones - only around 4,000 have been relocated thus far. To reinforce the plan, Dutt, accompanied by Coal India Limited (CIL) Chairman Sanoj Kumar Jha and others, planted trees in the township as a symbolic gesture of renewal. Over the duration of his two-day visit, Dutt is expected to also tour the regions affected by underground fires and hold discussions with officials of the JRDA and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) to review the relocation of families from hazardous zones to safer settlements.
Earlier this year, the Revised Jharia Master Plan had received approval, with a financial allocation of ?5,940.47 crore. The plan aims at tackling long-standing issues of underground coal-seam fires, land subsidence and the resettlement of families living in risk-prone areas. Under JMP, the government intends to provide comprehensive infrastructure at resettlement sites - roads, water, electricity, sewerage, schools, hospitals, skill-development centres and community halls - along with livelihood grants and credit support to rehabilitated families.
Complementing the master plan, state authorities have recently accelerated on-ground efforts in Belgaria: land has been allocated for Anganwadi centres, primary and middle schools, health sub-centres, a pond, public parks, and a proposed Mega Skill Development Centre and Multi-Skill Development Institute. The government is also exploring improved connectivity between Belgaria and Dhanbad through enhanced bus services and e-rickshaws, aiming to integrate the township socially and economically with the city.
Source: PTI
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