Extension of Jharia Master Plan Awaits Cabinet Approval

A proposal for extending the Jharia Master Plan, aimed at addressing fire, subsidence, and rehabilitation issues in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district, is awaiting Union Cabinet approval. Initially approved in 2009 with a budget of Rs 7,112.11 crore, the plan's first phase successfully relocated 2,800 families and reduced the fire area significantly.

The proposal for extending the Jharia Master Plan (JMP) is currently awaiting clearance from the Union Cabinet, according to an official.

Initially approved in August 2009 with a budget of Rs 7,112.11 crore, the plan aimed to address fire, subsidence, and rehabilitation issues in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district. The first phase, which expired in 2021, successfully relocated around 2,800 families and reduced the fire-affected area from 17.32 square kilometers to 1.8 square kilometers by 2021-22.

"The extension of JMP is now with the Union Cabinet, and we expect approval soon since there are no funding concerns," said Samiran Dutta, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. He added that after spending nearly Rs 2,000 crore in the first phase, approximately Rs 7,000 crore remains for further development. The plan also includes building essential social infrastructure like schools, colleges, and smart city facilities.

(With inputs from agencies.)