ANGUL: Balram mega coal mine of Talcher coalfield was shut down by villagers of Danara demanding job in lieu of land on Tuesday. According to sources, 24 families were granted job in lieu of land by virtue of Orissa High Court order last year. But, the order has been stayed by Supreme Court when MCL appealed against it.
The aggrieved villagers are demanding that MCL withdraw the case from apex court to facilitate them get employment.
Sources said, MCL had initially agreed to withdraw the case upon the request of State Government but later the Union Coal Ministry has overruled MCL stand.
In January, the matter was discussed at a high-level meeting attended by Union Coal Secretary and Chief Secretary among others. But, the Coal Secretary turned down the request of the State to withdraw the case stating that that would set a wrong precedence. The villagers decided to stall the coalmine till their demands are fulfilled. A solution cannot be worked out at Collector level as the ball in the court of the Centre. “A meeting will be called by Collector soon to find a solution,” said Talcher Sub Collector SM Mishra. The agitation hit coal production from the mine and transportation from Hingula mine.
