The Centre has handed over the Deocha-Pachami coal mines, said to be second largest coal block in the world, to the West Bengal government. The coal block, located in Birbhum district, is spread over an area of almost 9 sq. km. and has been a bone of contention between the two governments for a while now.
“I am very happy to share with all of you that after a long wait of three years, West Bengal has got the allocation of the Deocha Pachami Harinsingha Dewanganj Coal Mines in Birbhum district,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a social media post. She also added that with an estimated reserve of 2,102 million tonnes, it is the “second largest coal mine” in the world.
The Centre had first intended to allot the coal block jointly to Bihar, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal along with PSU Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. However, apart from West Bengal, no State showed any interest.
Development potential
The Chief Minister said the mining project would generate close to 1 lakh direct and indirect jobs in Birhum and the adjoining districts.
“It will also involve investments worth ₹12,000 crore in the intermediate run. There will be huge socio-economic development of Birbhum, the neighbouring districts and the entire State,” said Ms. Banerjee.