In a major policy step to address long-standing environmental and human crises in Jharkhand’s coal belt, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP), allocating ₹5,940.47 crore for comprehensive interventions in the Jharia Coalfield.
The plan aims to tackle coal seam fires, land subsidence, and ensure rehabilitation of thousands of affected families through a phase-wise and priority-based approach. Vulnerable sites will receive immediate attention.
A central highlight of the revised JMP is its focus on sustainable livelihood generation for displaced families. Both Legal Title Holder (LTH) and Non-Legal Title Holder (Non-LTH) families will receive a livelihood grant of ₹1 lakh along with credit support up to ₹3 lakh through institutional credit channels.
To ensure long-term economic stability, the government will implement targeted skill development programmes and promote income-generating activities via a dedicated Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund. These will be implemented in partnership with Multi-Skill Development Institutes already operational in the region.
Additionally, comprehensive infrastructure is set to be developed at the new resettlement sites. This includes roads, electricity, water supply, sewerage, schools, hospitals, community halls, and skill centres, ensuring a holistic and humane rehabilitation strategy.
The plan will be supervised and guided by the Committee for Implementation of the Revised Jharia Master Plan, ensuring effective coordination and timely execution.
The Jharia coalfield has suffered from decades of underground fires and unsafe living conditions, impacting over hundreds of thousands of lives. The revised master plan signals a renewed national commitment to both environmental restoration and human dignity in one of India’s most critical energy zones.