Why in News
The context is the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Birbhum Lok Sabha constituency, West Bengal.
The focus is on the proposed Deocha Pachami coal mine project and its implications on the local villagers.
Trinamool Congress's Approach:
Trinamool Congress leadership distributed handbills promising "pucca houses" for villagers if they win the Lok Sabha election.
The handbill featured Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's photograph and provided fields for villagers to write their names, village names, and phone numbers.
A telephone number was given for villagers to express consent to receive a house.
Villagers' Response:
Villagers, particularly in Kendrapara in the Bharkata area near the proposed coal mine project, view the handbill with suspicion.
Some villagers, like Sushil Murmu, perceive it as an attempt to persuade them to give up their land for the coal mining project.
Trinamool flags are displayed in the village, but there is resistance among villagers to relinquish their land.
Overview of the Deocha Pachami Coal Mine Project:
The project, valued at ₹35,000 crore, faces protests over land acquisition.
It is touted as the largest coal block in India, spanning 12.31 sq. km and encompassing around 12 villages with over 21,000 residents, primarily Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Despite assurances from the Chief Minister, concerns persist regarding forced land acquisition.
Resistance from Villagers:
The Gram Sava Sammonnya Hool Committee (GSSHC) insists on the authority of gram sabhas in tribal areas to consent to land acquisition.
Villagers like Mukhi Soren emphasize the historical significance of their villages and oppose land acquisition.
Government's Response and Incentives:
The State government announced a revised relief and rehabilitation package offering double the market value of land, job opportunities, and individual houses for families willing to surrender land.
However, the promised incentives have not swayed many villagers, particularly those affiliated with the GSSHC.
Environmental and Health Concerns:
Activists like Udvas Das highlight the environmental impact of stone quarrying in the area to prepare for coal extraction.
The pollution from stone quarries has led to health issues, including cases of silicosis among villagers.
Local medical facilities are overwhelmed, with doctors advocating for the relocation of the primary health center due to pollution concerns.
Political Dynamics:
The Lok Sabha seat of Birbhum is witnessing a competitive race between Trinamool's three-time MP Shatabdi Roy, BJP's Debtanu Bhattachrya, and Left-supported Congress candidate Milton Rashid.
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