Home Industry Info NTPC’s Pakri Barwadih mining project started transporting coal

NTPC’s Pakri Barwadih mining project started transporting coal

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Ranchi, July 26: NTPC’s Pakri Barwadih mining project, which remained closed since July 3 following agitation of over 8000 landowners for compensation, today transported as many as 32000MT of coal. These coal was kept at railway siding and not being transported due to agitation.

Transportation became possible after the project became operational from Friday night with production of 8000MT following assurance of district administration to landowners to find an amicable solution and a follow up meeting on Saturday in the presence of Barkagaon MLA Amba Prasad, who was spearheading the protest.

NTPC public relation officer Vijay Juyal informed the development saying now the company is waiting for August 20 when a four member committee headed by North Chotanagpur commissioner Kamal John Lakra will give its report on the issue of compensation.

“The landowners have submitted a 12—point charter of demands which includes higher compensation, employment and a better rehabilitation package. In case a proper decision is not taken by the committee after meetings till August 20 the landowners have threatened to start their agitation again from August 21. Thus we are anxious,” Juyal said.

“The four member committee includes legislator Amba Prasad, deputy commissioner Bhubnesh Pratap Singh and executive director of NTPC, Prashant Kashyap besides North Chotanagpur commissioner Lakra,” Juyal said.

Pakri Barwadih, located in Hazaribagh district, is first of the mine NTPC. The low cost coal produced from the mines is being used for NTPC’s power stations, replacing expensive imported coal. It is being fed NTPC’s ultra mega power project in the region.

Apart from Pakri Barwadih, the NTPC was allotted Chatti-Bariatu, Kerandari, Dulanga, Talaipalli and Chatti-Bariatu (South), Banai, Bhalumunda and Mandakini B mines. These mines carry total geological reserves of around 7.15 billion tonnes and have a production potential of 107 million tonnes per annum of coal catering to requirements of 20,000 MW of power generation. Pakri Barwadih has a block area of 46.26 sq km.

Pakri Barwadih has always been a matter of concern for district administration and NTPC as on October 1, 2016 six people had been killed and at least nine seriously injured after police opened fire on farmers protesting against land acquisition at Pakri Barwadih.

Issue of compensation at Pakri Barwadih has helped Yogendra Sao, his wife Nirmala Devi and his daughter Amba Prasad to become MLAs. Now again the issue of compensation has come.