No eviction for tribals at Deocha Pachami coal mine

The West Bengal government has assured members of the Santhal tribe that they will not be evicted from their villages for the Deocha Pachami coal block project. This decision follows their recent protests in Muhammad Bazar, located in Birbhum district. The coal mine, which is the world's second-largest, will use underground mining techniques. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that initial work at the coal mine would begin immediately at the Bengal Global Business Summit on February 6. This sparked fears among the tribal community that they would be displaced. Sukhchand Soren, a leader of the Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal, confirmed that the government reassured them in a meeting that no eviction would occur. During the meeting, West Bengal Power Development Corporation chairman PB Salim and Birbhum district magistrate Bidhan Roy addressed the concerns of the tribal leaders. They emphasized that only 3,400 acres of land would be needed for the project, not the 14,000 acres previously rumored. Salim stated that land would be purchased only from individuals who consent to sell and no land would be taken from unwilling villagers. A government committee has also been formed to address local concerns regarding the project. The government reinforced the need for regular meetings and clear communication as the project progresses. The National Institute of Rock Mechanics, part of the Union ministry of mines, will manage the drilling operations for the coal mine.