Coal mine project: Mamata announces Rs 10k-cr compensation package for land losers

Mamata Banerjee has announced a compensation package of Rs 10,000 crore for the ones who would get displaced or affected in some way or the other due to the Deocha-Pachami coal mine project in Birbhum district.

Kolkata:West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced a compensation package of Rs 10,000 crore for the ones who would get displaced or affected in some way or the other due to the Deocha-Pachami coal mine project in Birbhum district.

The state has been allotted the Deocha Pachami Harinsingha Dewanganj -- the world's second-largest coal block -- by the Centre a few years ago.

"We will not do anything like what had happened in Singur (forcible land acquisition for car project). We will start the project with a government-owned land. We are a pro-people government. We don't believe in doing things by force," she told the Assembly.

Banerjee noted that the mining project has the potential of generating nearly one lakh jobs in Birbhum and its neighbouring districts.

"The state government is investing around 35,000 crore in this project, which spans an area of 3.04 lakh acres. Of the 3.04 lakh acres, around 1 lakh make for government-owned land. We have spoken to all the stakeholders to ensure their interests are secured," she said.

The feisty TMC boss further said that her government has prepared an attractive package for those who will be giving up their land for the mining project.

"One member of every family who will have to give up either their home or land will be provided jobs in the police force as junior constable. The government has zeroed in on a compensation package of Rs 10,000 crore for those who would get affected due to the project," she said in the Assembly.

The CM further said that farm labourers would also receive their dues from the package.

She pointed out that necessary administrative infrastructure has been set up to start the project.

The mine is located in the south-western part of Birbhum coalfield area.

PTI