Ranchi, March 8: The state government today said it would take stern action against government officials who allowed gross mining irregularities in Pachhwara North and Central coal blocks in Pakur.
The assurance came from minister C.P. Singh in the wake of a question raised by JVM legislative party leader Pradip Yadav during the ongoing budget session of the Assembly. Yadav wanted to know when the state intends to take action against erring officials.
"There were irregularities (in mining at North and Central blocks), which the government accepted. We will take suitable action against erring officials," the minister said.
Mining in Pachhwara North block was carried out by Bengal EMTA, a joint venture between West Bengal Power Development Corporation Ltd (WBPDCL) with EMTA. In Central block, mining was carried out by Panem, a joint venture between Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) and Bengal-based EMTA. The leases of both were cancelled in 2014 following a Supreme Court order. In 2015, WBPDCL was allotted North block while PSPCL got Central block.
A fact-finding report of Santhal Pargana commissioner N.K. Mishra, for Pachhwara North block, held that then Pakur DC Sunil Kumar Singh granted Bengal EMTA lease in non-forest areas that were part of proposed mining areas but with forest tracts as well.
In the case of Pachhwara Central, anomalies reported included excess production, coal transport beyond permissible limits and royalty glitches, a source in the state mines directorate said.
Minister C.P. Singh added then Pakur DC, whose involvement was reported by the Mishra Committee, had deposited the allegations were "baseless". The mines department is now reviewing the now-retired official's explanation.
In case of Central block, Panem also allegedly did not keep its promise to rehabilitate the displaced and backed out of promised CSR activities, including a hospital. It carried out production beyond permissible limit, conducted illegally excavations and paid less royalty to the state.
Pakur's mining areas came under spotlight when Sister Valsa John, a nun from Kerala leading an agitation for rehabilitating displaced tribals, was killed in November 2011.
'Cheap' land
JVM's Pradip Yadav today brought a work adjournment motion, accusing the government of offering Santhal Pargana land at throwaway rates to corporate houses like Jindals and Adanis. Yadav said the government last year fixed the rate at Rs 13 lakh/acre, far less than what Godda district had said in 2012-13. Speaker Dinesh Oraon turned down Yadav's plea for detailed discussion on the matter.
