Daily Current Affairs : 26-September-2023
In 1996, recognizing the pressing issues of fire and subsidence in the Jharia Coalfield (JCF), the Government of India established a High-Power Committee. Fast forward to 2009, the Jharia Master Plan (JMP) came into action, aiming to tackle fires, subsidence, and rehabilitation concerns. This essay delves into the evolution, progress, challenges, and initiatives associated with the JMP.
Evolution of the Jharia Master Plan
- Committee Formation (1996): Under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Ministry of Coal, a committee was formed to address fire and subsidence problems in JCF.
- Master Plan Formulation (1999-2004): Two master plans were developed, revised in 2004, and finally culminated in the Jharia Master Plan (JMP) of 2009. This plan had a ten-year implementation period and a pre-implementation period of two years with an investment of Rs. 7112.11 crores.
Progress in Implementation
- Reduction of Fire Sites: The JMP led to a substantial reduction in fire sites from 77 to 27, minimizing the affected area from 17.32 sq. km to 1.80 sq. km.
- Monitoring Efforts: The Ministry of Coal, through the High-Power Central Committee (HPCC) meetings, monitored the plan’s progress meticulously. The JMP focused on housing, skill development, employment, and inclusive shifting in the rehabilitation process.
Challenges Faced
- Technological Limitations: The complexities involved technological limitations in assessing underground fires, making it challenging to implement the plan effectively.
- Perception Challenges: Affected families perceived the plan as a means to acquire land for coal mining, hindering their acceptance of the rehabilitation efforts.
Initiatives Taken
- Extensive Planning: The Ministry of Coal undertook extensive planning, including diverting rails, roads, and surface infrastructure to facilitate resettlement and rehabilitation needs.
- Detailed Project Reports (DPRs): Detailed Project Reports were prepared to support affected families. New houses were constructed, emphasizing the importance of proper housing in rehabilitation.
- Continuous Review: Even after the JMP’s expiration in 2021, the Ministry of Coal continued to review activities undertaken by BCCL & JRDA biweekly and monthly. A committee was established in 2022 to focus on extinguishing fires, rehabilitating affected families, and proposing a way forward.
Important Points:
- Evolution of Jharia Master Plan:
- Committee formed in 1996 to address fire and subsidence issues in Jharia Coalfield.
- Two master plans developed and merged into the final Jharia Master Plan (JMP) in 2009.
- Progress in Implementation:
- Reduction of fire sites from 77 to 27 after JMP implementation.
- Affected area minimized from 17.32 sq. km to 1.80 sq. km.
- Focus on housing, skill development, employment, and inclusive shifting in rehabilitation efforts.
- Challenges Faced:
- Technological limitations in assessing underground fires posed challenges.
- Perception challenges among affected families, considering the plan as a land acquisition strategy for coal mining.
- Initiatives Taken:
- Extensive planning, including diverting rails, roads, and surface infrastructure.
- Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to support affected families.
- Continuous review and monitoring of activities even after the JMP’s expiration in 2021.
- Establishment of a committee in 2022 to focus on extinguishing fires, rehabilitating affected families, and proposing a way forward.
Why In News
The Ministry of Coal, through the implementation of the Jharia Master Plan in 2009, successfully decreased the number of fire sites in the Jharia Coalfield from 77 to 27. This strategic initiative not only led to a remarkable reduction of the affected surface area from 17.32 square kilometres to just 1.80 square kilometres but also enhanced the overall environmental sustainability of the region. Additionally, the successful reduction in fire sites exemplifies the Ministry’s dedication to mitigating environmental hazards and fostering long-term ecological balance in the Jharia Coalfield.
MCQs about Jharia Master Plan
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What was the primary objective of the Jharia Master Plan (JMP)?
A. To increase coal mining in Jharia Coalfield
B. To address fires, subsidence, and rehabilitation in Jharia Coalfield
C. To reduce the population in Jharia Coalfield
D. To privatize the coal industry in Jharia
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How many fire sites were reduced after the implementation of the Jharia Master Plan?
A. Reduced from 50 to 10
B. Reduced from 77 to 27
C. Remained the same at 77
D. Increased from 77 to 100
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What were the major challenges faced during the implementation of the Jharia Master Plan?
A. Political opposition and lack of funds
B. Technological limitations and perception challenges among affected families
C. Lack of skilled labor and transportation issues
D. Natural disasters and climate change impacts
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What steps were taken to support affected families in the rehabilitation process?
A. Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and constructing new houses
B. Providing cash compensation to all affected families
C. Offering free education for children in affected families
D. Building new roads and railways in the affected areas
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