Archive · 29 Jun 2025
Jharia Plan Revived, Raniganj Hopes Rise Amidst Subsidence
Imagine there are problems with the ground sinking and fires in two areas, Jharia and Raniganj, where people live.
The government has a plan to fix this by moving people to new homes and making the areas safe.
They've approved a new plan for Jharia, spending lots of money to build new places for people to live and to help them learn new skills to get jobs.
Because the Jharia plan got approved, people in Raniganj are hoping their plan will also be approved soon.
This plan will also fix the problem of the ground sinking and underground fires.
Some people are worried about moving, which is making it hard to complete the project.
CCEA approved a revised Jharia Master Plan for Rs 5,940.47 crore, addressing land subsidence and resettlement.
The Jharia plan approval raises hopes for a revised Raniganj Master Plan in West Burdwan.
The Raniganj plan, addressing subsidence and fires, was initially drafted in 2009 but needs updating.
A Rs 2,600 crore Raniganj project was proposed, including 41,000 houses, but progress stalled due to land issues.
Residents in Raniganj and Barakar resist relocation from subsidence-prone zones, slowing progress.
- Who
- The CCEA, district authorities, residents of Raniganj and Barakar.
- What
- Approval of the revised Jharia Master Plan and hope for a similar plan in Raniganj.
- When
- The CCEA approved the revised Jharia Master Plan recently. The original Raniganj plan was prepared in 2009.
- Where
- Jharia and Raniganj coalfields, India.
- Why
- To address land subsidence, underground fires, and resettlement challenges.
Local Residents' Concerns
Authorities and DGMS
Relocation
Local Residents' Concerns
Reluctance to relocate from their homes and businesses in subsidence-prone areas.
Authorities and DGMS
Need to vacate for safety and project progress.
- Approved Plan Cost (Jharia)
- Rs 5,940.47 crore
- Proposed Raniganj Project Cost
- Rs 2,600 crore
- Proposed Houses (Raniganj)
- 41,000
- Primary Issues Addressed
- Land subsidence, underground fires
- Livelihood Grant (per family)
- Rs 1 lakh
- Institutional Credit Support
- Up to Rs 3 lakh