Archive · 12 Dec 2025
ECL Warns Against Illegal Construction on Itapara OCP Land
Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) is warning people in Itapara not to build houses on land that will be used for a big coal mining project.
The project started in 2023, and ECL is using loudspeakers to tell people that they won't get any money if they build houses illegally.
The company is worried because building houses costs more to compensate than just the land.
People are rushing to build houses before the company starts digging for coal.
The project will dig up 3.5 million tonnes of coal every year, and there are guards to protect the area.
ECL is warning residents through public announcements not to build houses on land designated for the Itapara Mega Coal Mining Project.
The Itapara OCP project began in 2023 and aims to excavate 3.5 million tonnes of coal annually.
Residents in Amdiha, Baliapur, Itapara, and Bela are urged to vacate the land and avoid constructing permanent structures.
ECL fears rising costs as compensation for houses is higher than for land, with residents rushing to build before mining operations commence.
The project is supported by a private Mine Developer and Operator (MDO), with CISF personnel deployed for security.
- Who
- Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) and residents of Amdiha, Baliapur, Itapara, and Bela
- What
- Warnings against illegal construction on land earmarked for the Itapara Mega Coal Mining Project
- When
- Announcements are ongoing; project commenced in 2023
- Where
- Itapara, near Asansol, in the Raniganj Coalfield leasehold area
- Why
- To prevent illegal encroachment and potential compensation claims, as excavation work for the coal mining project is set to begin
- Organization
- Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL)
- Project
- Itapara Open Cast Project (OCP)
- Location
- Itapara, near Asansol
- Start Year
- 2023
- Annual Coal Excavation
- 3.5 million tonnes
- Security
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Partner
- Private Mine Developer and Operator (MDO)