Rehabilitation promises return every election in Raniganj coal belt
As elections near, rehabilitation promises resurface in Raniganj, West Bengal, a coal mining region plagued by land subsidence. Residents express distrust in government plans, fearing relocation will disrupt their livelihoods and community ties. Past rehabilitation efforts have left many families dissatisfied, with inadequate compensation and ongoing safety concerns.
- ▪Residents of Harishpur face constant fear of land subsidence and inadequate housing conditions.
- ▪Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged residents to move to government rehabilitation centres, promising financial support.
- ▪Local candidates highlight the reluctance of residents to relocate due to fears of losing employment and community connections.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
As elections approach, promises of rehabilitation take centre stage in India’s second largest and oldest coal mining region in Raniganj in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal. But cracks in homes, unstable ground underneath, and failed rehabilitation promises have haunted residents of the area through many elections.Harishpur is among the worst-affected areas due to land subsidence in Raniganj. In 2020, residents suffered a massive jolt which cracked open many homes, reduced some to dust, and left several families homeless. Homes were engulfed by the very land they once lived on.“We will not accept this rehabilitation. They must compensate us for our land and homes. We will build our own homes at a safer place. We do not want to live in those pigeonholes.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Hindu
