Amidst persisting concerns over land acquisition and displacement linked to the proposed Deucha Panchami coal mining project in Birbhum district, the West Bengal government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no individual will be evicted beyond necessity.
On Saturday, Chairman and Managing Director of the State Power Development Corporation, P B Salim, alongside Birbhum District Magistrate Bidhan Roy, engaged in discussions with representatives of Bharat Zakat Majhi Pargana Mahal, a tribal organisation, at Bidyut Bhavan in Salt Lake, Kolkata.
The meeting sought to address grievances and dispel misconceptions surrounding the project.
To address the concerns of affected communities, a 31-member committee has been established to handle any issues arising in Deucha Panchami and Mohammadbazar.
The committee was constituted in the presence of Birbhum District Trinamool Congress (TMC) President Anubrata Mondal at the Mohammadbazar block office in the evening.
Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s announcement at the Biswa Bangla Business Conference regarding the commencement of work at Deucha, opposition from local tribal communities has impeded progress.
The administration has, therefore, intensified consultations with various stakeholders, particularly the Santhal community.
Following the meeting, P B Salim attributed the unrest to misinformation circulating on social media. He stressed that the government would not forcibly acquire land but would purchase only from those willing to sell.
"Only those satisfied with the government’s compensation package will provide written consent, and only their land will be purchased," Salim stated, further assuring that no coercion would be involved.
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A significant policy shift was also announced, with the state government opting for closed-cast (underground) mining instead of open-cast mining, which had been a key concern for the tribal population.
"With underground mining, there is no question of eviction. Some are spreading rumours that 10,000–14,000 acres of land will be acquired, but in reality, only 3,400 acres are needed," Salim clarified.
Local TMC leaders, including Baidyanath Hazra and Sukhchand Soren, acknowledged the confusion caused by circulating rumours.
"We had concerns about the project and wanted clarity from the highest authorities. Regular discussions with the government must continue to address the people’s objections," Hazra stated.
Meanwhile, in a move that has sparked concern among activists, the administration has begun installing CCTV cameras across the proposed coal mine area and its surroundings.
At least 30 cameras are being set up to monitor activities in and around Deucha Panchami.
According to district officials, the surveillance measures are intended to prevent external influences from instigating unrest among the tribal population.
"Some outsiders are misleading the local people and obstructing the project’s progress, and the CCTV installations will help identify such elements," said a district administration official.
To further reassure tribal communities, the state government has pledged not to cut down Mahua and Arjun trees, which hold cultural and economic significance for the indigenous population. Instead, efforts will be made to replant these trees elsewhere.
Despite repeated government assurances, protests persist, with tribal groups demanding greater transparency, legal safeguards, and sustainable alternatives before any mining activity commences in Deucha Panchami.
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