Why in news
- PMO reviewed rehabilitation, skill development, and coal fire management initiatives across Belgaria and Karmatand townships in Dhanbad.
- The review assessed progress under the Jharia Master Plan (JMP) implemented by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
What is the Jharia Master Plan?
- An approved national master plan focused on fire control, overburden stabilization, and resettlement of populations residing in hazardous subsurface mine-fire zones.
- Targets coalfield regions within the Jharia basin, which holds India's principal reserves of prime coking coal.
Key Initiatives
- Resettlement of affected families from unstable hazard zones to planned satellite townships like Belgaria and Karmatand.
- Skill training through Multi Skill Development Institutes operated in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
Why it matters
- Addresses environmental hazard mitigation alongside human socio-economic rehabilitation in major mining belts.
Key terms
Coking Coal
A grade of coal essential for steel manufacturing due to its ability to form coke when heated in the absence of air.
Prelims facts
- Jharia coalfield in Damodar River basin is India's primary domestic source of prime coking coal.
Mains discussion
- Challenges of managing legacy subsurface mine fires and ensuring sustainable rehabilitation in mineral extraction zones.
Source: PIB Press Release
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
-
2025 · Q20 · GS I · 15 marks
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion. -
2016 · Q14 · GS III · 12 marks
Rehabilitation of human settlements is one of the important environmental impacts which always attracts controversy while planning major projects. Discuss the measures suggested for mitigation of this impact while proposing major developmental projects.