Deucha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harinsinga coal block is the second-largest coal block in the world; it is the largest in India. The block has a thick coal seam trapped between equally thick layers of rocks, mostly basalt. It has a great economic value.

The existence of these thick basalt layers, however, makes mining of coal difficult; foreign investment and technology will be hence needed for mining. An estimated 1,198 million tonnes of coal and 1,400 million tonnes of basalt are in the block.

The block is spread over 13.7 square kilometres.

As many as 4,134 houses above the block belong to Adivasi (Scheduled Tribe), Scheduled Caste, minorities and other communities.

Around 9,034 Adivasis from the Santhal community will have to be displaced to implement this project. A total of 21,000 people will be displaced.

More lands in the adjacent blocks will be needed for waste disposal, according to the Geological Survey of India.

In a respite for the state government for Deocha Pachami coal mining project, 112 land owners on Wednesday evening had agreed to give their land for the government project.

According to state government sources, the government officials had tried to explain to people about the benefits of the projects for which the people agreed to give their land for the project.

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“Previously there were 139 people who had given their lands and with 112 more people the total number now stands at 251 people,” said government sources.

It can be recalled that on Monday Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced jobs for one member from each family which donates land for Deucha-Pachami coal block in Birbhum district.

“We have already approved 5,100 posts for recruitment. At least 139 villagers have agreed to donate land,” said Mamata on Monday.

Mamata also claimed that the state government has 1,000 acres of land which will be first utilised for the project before taking lands of others.

The Chief Minister also claimed that a separate land along with papers of ownership will also be granted for those who will give their lands for the use.

According to sources in the state secretariat, the government officials promising jobs from the people convinced them to give their lands for the mining projects.

It can be noted that people of this district mostly depend on agriculture and if they are given jobs it would uplift their status.

It is pertinent to mention that in November 2021, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had promised Rs 10,000 crore compensation package for local people who are likely to be displaced due to the coal mining project.

In September 2019, the BJP led Central government had allotted this block to the Trinamool Congress government to start the coal mining project that would increase coal reserves of 2.2 billion tonnes and is expected to help meet the state’s power demand for the next five decades.

The Union and state governments have announced compensation, including a rehabilitation package for the affected people. Rs 10-13 lakh per bigha (a third of an acre) will be provided to each household for their land.

A 600 square feet home will be provided to each of the dislocated households in a rehabilitation colony. An additional Rs 5.5 lakh will be given for relocation-related expenses.

The state government has announced that one family member from each displaced household will get a job as a junior constable in the state police.

At least 160 agricultural labourers will get one-time compensation of Rs 50,000 and 500 days of work under the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.