Operations at the state-run NTPC Ltd's Chatti Bariatu coal mining project in Hazaribag district have been completely stalled for the past two days due to a protest by local residents. The disruption has resulted in an immediate financial loss of approximately Rs 1.5 crore for the public sector undertaking, officials confirmed on Saturday.
Mining Operations Grind to a Halt
The ongoing unrest has brought all critical activities at the site to a standstill. Mining, coal production, blasting, and operations at the Coal Handling Plant (CHP) have been severely affected. An NTPC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the losses are part of a much larger pattern. "The PSU has suffered losses to the tune of at least around Rs 50 crore since the orchestrated stirs began in August last year," the official stated.
Root of the Conflict: Land and Compensation
The protest is spearheaded by a section of locals under the leadership of former minister and Barkagaon MLA, Yogendra Sao. The core issue revolves around claims and counterclaims regarding inadequate compensation for displacement and other associated concerns. The immediate trigger for the latest protest appears to be a long-standing dispute over a piece of land within the project's acquisition area.
Sources indicate the conflict intensified after the demolition of a boundary wall and a fly-ash brick chimney belonging to Sao on August 1. The structures were razed following directions from the Sadar sub-divisional officer, with senior magistrate-cum-circle officer Ramratan Burnwal and junior magistrate-cum-junior engineer Ankit Pandey overseeing the action.
Officials maintain the land in question, under khata number 190, is classified as khas gairmazrua land. NTPC asserts that the built structure was valued and compensation was fixed accordingly. While Sao was asked to collect the payment, he allegedly demanded compensation for both the land and the structure. As he did not accept the payment, NTPC deposited the compensation amount into the state treasury.
The company clarified that as per existing norms, compensation for khas gairmazrua and forest land is not paid to individuals but is credited to the state government's account. In a recent escalation, Sao allegedly constructed a wall on truck transportation routes on the night of January 1 to assert land ownership, which was subsequently demolished by the administration the next day.
Accusations and Official Response
Yogendra Sao has launched a scathing attack on NTPC, accusing the company of duping locals. "It is more dangerous than the East India Company. No work has been done here to develop basic infrastructure. There is no proper rehabilitation policy," Sao claimed. He insisted his fight is not personal but for the local raiyats (tenants) who have long faced excesses from the administration and companies.
In response, Circle Officer Ramratan Burnwal accused Sao of claiming compensation using forged documents. "Sao is claiming compensation for his plant and the road land through forged papers. A report in this regard has been sent to higher officials for further action. No one will be allowed to disturb mining operations," Burnwal stated firmly.
The standoff highlights the persistent tensions between large-scale development projects and local communities over issues of fair compensation and rehabilitation, bringing a major national power project to a costly halt.
