MCL to prepare project-wise rehab plans

Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) has been directed to prepare separate rehabilitation master plans for each of its coal projects in Angul district, outlining plans for resettlement, rehabilitation and employment opportunities for affected families.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Rehabilitation and Peripheral Development Advisory Committee (RPDAC).
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan said the meeting examined 21 proposals raised by elected representatives and state government officials.

Several committees have also been constituted to address the concerns of people whose land is being acquired for coal projects. Key issues discussed included land acquisition, compensation, rehabilitation, resettlement and the development of resettlement colonies in Talcher and Angul.
Pradhan said the district administration must play an effective role in connecting local communities with industries and ensuring that displaced families receive fair treatment after giving up their land.
He also highlighted pollution as a major concern in Angul and Talcher and called for stronger measures to tackle it. With Talcher contributing more than 100 million tonnes of coal annually, he stressed the importance of balancing industrial growth with the welfare of affected communities.

The MP further called for greater skill-development opportunities for people in project-affected villages, including improved training facilities and the upgradation of central workshops.
The meeting was chaired by Northern RDC Sangram Keshari Mahapatra. Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pany, MLAs Braja Kishore Pradhan and Agasti Behera, MCL CMD Uday A Kaole and Angul Collector Abdaal Akhtar were among those present.