Dhanbad: PM’s adviser Tarun Kapoor on Tuesday directed officials to speed up the relocation of families from Jharia’s fire-affected areas, ensure dignified living conditions at rehabilitation sites and strengthen coal transportation infrastructure.Concluding his two-day Dhanbad visit, Kapoor chaired a review meeting at the collectorate and sought project-wise timelines for rehabilitation, particularly at Belgaria. He asked officials to identify and remove bottlenecks delaying the Jharia Master Plan, stressing that continued habitation in underground fire-hit zones posed a serious threat to residents.Kapoor said relocation should be undertaken with the confidence and cooperation of affected families. He directed officials to ensure schools, healthcare, drinking water, electricity, roads and sanitation at the new colonies.Dhanbad deputy commissioner Aditya Ranjan, SSP Prabhat Kumar, Dhanbad railway division DRM Akhilesh Mishra, BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agrawal and other senior officials attended the meeting.Kapoor also inspected rehabilitation sites at Karmatand and Belgaria Phase-5 and interacted with displaced families. Residents sought adequate compensation for acquired land, settlement of pending claims and permanent status for RSP College. They also flagged inadequate healthcare, drinking water and electricity, damaged houses and lack of jobs.With coal production projected to increase, Kapoor directed BCCL, railways and the district administration to strengthen rail and road infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted coal evacuation. Officials said new colonies with improved civic amenities were being developed to provide safer alternatives to hazardous settlements.
