Jharia Vihar Colony residents take part in the spiritual programme in Belgarhia, Dhanbad on Monday. (Gautam Dey)

Dhanbad, Dec. 20: After being plagued by water woes, rehabilitated victims of Jharia’s underground fire have now stumbled upon a new problem, albeit of the supernatural kind — a ghost.

The rumour, which has spread considerable panic among the families of Belgarhia, has sent the authorities scampering to salvage the situation by starting a weeklong spiritual resettlement programme.

Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority, in association with the district centre of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), is conducting the spiritual programme, that began at the Jharia Vihar Colony here today.

Around 20 volunteers of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya helped around 400 newly rehabilitated families to get in touch with their spiritual side on the opening day of the programme, which is being held at Jharia Vihar’s colony grounds.

“Karma is the biggest truth of a human’s life. Only those who are able to exercise control against addictions and temptations can become true karmayogis,” Anu Didi, head of Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya, tspeaking at the occasion.

Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority in-charge Gopal ji said that that the programme was conducted to help the non-BCCL families and illegal encroachers of the fire zone who had been rehabilitated.

“Most of the rehabilitated are illiterate and often fall prey to alcohol, gambling, drugs and rumours if not counselled properly,” he said.

Several officials, including BCCL general manager of administration A. Chattopadhyay, Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority general manager R.N. Prasad, among others, took part in the programme.

A number of sops, including promises of sources of livelihood, were also announced by the officials during the event.

Meanwhile, the district administration has asked BCCL to provide a five-acre plot of land for setting up a permanent Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya centre in Belgarhia for the 666 families from Boka Pahari, Luj Pit, Kukurtopa, Tisra of Jharia who have been relocated in 2,352 quarters there.