by Ashis Sinha
- 35 acres of land in Balodar, 285.715 acres in Gondulpara, 175.45 acres in Gali and 161.99 acres in Chandaul are to be acquired
- The mining project will create about 10 thousand direct and indirect employment opportunities in the district
- The state will get revenue of about 500 crore rupees per year
Barkagaon (Hazaribagh): The Gondulpara mining project is set to provide significant compensation to landowners, with payments estimated at ₹24,56,986 per acre, as part of a new initiative aimed at boosting local employment and generating substantial revenue for the state.
The project will involve the acquisition of approximately 91.35 acres in Balodar, 285.715 acres in Gondulpara, 175.45 acres in Gali, and 161.99 acres in Chandaul. Notably, the land in Chandaul will be used for the rehabilitation of those affected by the project, with a total of Rs 478 crore allocated for compensation to farmers deposited at the Hazaribagh Collectorate.
According to local officials, the mining operation is expected to create around 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, enhancing economic prospects in the district. Furthermore, the state is projected to earn approximately Rs 500 crore annually from the project, enabling the administration to implement various welfare programs.
The Gondulpara mine has been allocated to Adani Enterprises by the Coal Ministry of India through a competitive tender process. The completion of the land acquisition process under Section 19 is a critical step toward commencing mining operations, opening new avenues for resource development in Jharkhand, which is home to 199 coal mines producing 15.6 crore tonnes of coal each year.
Compensation and Rehabilitation Options
Landowners will receive compensation that includes a multiplier factor, a consolation amount, and interest accrued over three years. In addition to land compensation, the government will assess and provide compensation for any assets located on the acquired land, ensuring that affected families are fairly reimbursed.
Displaced families will have three rehabilitation options:
- A cash payment of Rs 10 lakh to relocate.
- A new ready-made house in a rehabilitation colony.
- A plot of land in the rehabilitation colony along with Rs 7 lakh for housing.
Employment Opportunities and Support
The project also emphasizes employment opportunities for displaced families, with provisions for one job per affected family based on qualifications and company needs, following training and skill development. Families can choose between a lump sum payment of Rs 5 lakh or monthly payments of Rs 2,000 for 20 years.
Additional support for displaced families includes:
- A monthly grant of Rs 3,000 for living expenses for one year.
- A rehabilitation allowance of Rs 50,000, transportation expenses of Rs 50,000, and Rs 35,000 for cattle shed relocation, totaling Rs 1,45,000 per family.
- One-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 for affected artisans, small traders, and self-employed individuals.
The miner will also cover stamp duty and registration fees for the allotted land or housing, with no tax implications for the allotted property. Both husband and wife can have joint ownership of the new land or house.
Overall, the Gondulpara mining project is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing regional development, creating jobs, and ensuring fair compensation for affected landowners.
