The NTPC’s Chatti Bariatu coal mining project remains stalled as local residents continued their sit-in protest for the 14th consecutive day, demanding unpaid compensation and proper rehabilitation measures.
Villagers allege that the authorities have failed to honor promises made during land acquisition. Former Jharkhand Agriculture Minister and senior Congress leader Yogendra Sao claimed that his fire bricks factory was demolished without receiving compensation. He also accused the project authorities of widespread irregularities in acquiring land for mining operations.
An NTPC official stated that the company has deposited Rs 108 crore with the Jharkhand government as compensation for 450 acres of government-owned land acquired for the Keradari and Chatti Bariatu projects in Hazaribagh district. Much of this land, categorized as Gair Majrua Khas and Gair Majrua Jungle Jhari, has been under village occupation for decades.
Villagers allege that Mine Developer and Operator firms paid “token compensation” far below official rates. For the Chatti Bariatu project, Ritwik Company reportedly paid Rs 3 lakh per acre, while BGR Company paid Rs 1.5 lakh per acre for the Keradari project, despite the official rate being Rs 24 lakh per acre. Some farmers accepted the lower payments reluctantly; others are yet to receive any compensation.
Hazaribagh Deputy Commissioner Shashi Prakash Singh said all payments were made in line with government norms and land acquisition provisions. The Keradari Circle Officer added that no active verification of Gair Majrua land is being undertaken by the revenue office, leaving companies to conduct their own assessments. NTPC’s Keradari Project AGM, Subhash Prasad Gupta, affirmed that all payments were made strictly under government guidelines, and unverified cases were remitted to the state exchequer.
According to official records, the Keradari Project has acquired 1,606.89 acres, including 1,255.07 acres of raiyati land, 200.79 acres of Gair Majrua Khas, 23.35 acres of Gair Majrua Aam, and 127.68 acres of forest or other land. The Chatti Bariatu Project has acquired 1,589.8 acres, including 1,071.09 acres of raiyati land, 199.32 acres of Gair Majrua Khas/Jungle Jhari, 11 acres of Gair Majrua Aam, and 318.88 acres of forest land.
Protesters have vowed to continue their agitation until full compensation and rehabilitation benefits are delivered to all affected families.
