ANGUL: HUNDREDS of villagers of Jagada, who lost their land to Talcher Coalfields Limited, stalled mining operations and coal despatch from Kaniha Coal Mine on Monday. The agitators stopped coal transport to NTPC-Kaniha power plant. The mine produces about 40,000 tonne of coal per day.
The villagers claimed that though their lands were acquired in 2011 for mining, they are yet to be resettled at a different location. The agitators are demanding immediate shifting of their village to a proper location because coal mining has reached closer to their habitation, making it difficult to live in the vicinity.
“We demand immediate shifting of Jagada villagers to Takua village where our resettlement site has been identified by the State Government and MCL. Though our village was acquired 10 years ago, we are yet to be shifted. In 2011, MCL promised to shift us within six months but nothing has been done till now,” said Pandab Sahu, a village leader.
Frequent agitations have led to huge loss for Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) which has been given a target by the Centre to produce a whopping 167 million tonne of coal. The target was increased from 136 million tonne in the last financial year.
Talcher Sub-Collector Shyama Bhakta Mishra said, “We cannot shift the displaced villagers to Takua due to opposition by the people there. Efforts are on to hold talks with Takua villagers and shift Jagada villagers as soon as possible.”