The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP) aimed at addressing long-standing issues of underground coal fires, land subsidence, and the rehabilitation of affected families in the Jharia Coalfield region. The plan comes with a financial outlay of ?5,940.47 crore.

Adopting a phased approach, the revised plan prioritizes interventions at the most vulnerable sites to ensure effective handling of fire and subsidence hazards, along with the timely relocation of families at risk.

A key focus of the updated JMP is sustainable livelihood development for the resettled population. Targeted skill development programs and income-generation opportunities will be implemented to help affected families achieve long-term economic self-reliance.

Both Legal Title Holder (LTH) and Non-Legal Title Holder (Non-LTH) families will be eligible for a one-time Livelihood Grant of ?1 lakh and access to institutional credit support of up to Rs 3 lakh.

The resettlement sites will be equipped with essential infrastructure and public amenities, including roads, electricity, water supply, sewage systems, schools, hospitals, skill development centres, community halls, and other common facilities. These will be developed in line with the recommendations made by the Committee for Implementation of the Revised Jharia Master Plan.

Additionally, a dedicated Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund will be established to support livelihood-related activities. Skill training initiatives will also be conducted in partnership with Multi Skill Development Institutes operating in the region.

This revised plan reflects a comprehensive and humane approach to rehabilitation, focusing not only on safety and resettlement but also on empowering communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities.