Mon. Oct 20th, 2025

Opposition Mounts Against West Bengal’s Deocha Pachami Mining Project

A public convention in Siuri, West Bengal’s Birbhum district, on Friday, September 19, 2025, saw locals, activists, and politicians protest the proposed Deocha Pachami coal mining project. Participants, including economist Prasenjit Bose and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, alleged illegal land acquisition and inadequate compensation for displaced Adivasi families.

Organizers claimed thousands of Adivasi, Dalit, and minority families faced displacement and expressed concerns that the project would lead to a long-term water crisis and exacerbate existing pollution. Experts and activists highlighted the significant basalt layer (90-245 meters thick) above the coal reserves, alleging that basalt mining is proceeding without proper clearances.

In contrast, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced in February that the project would secure coal supply for a century and create 100,000 jobs. This convention represents a continuation of multiple protests against the mining initiative.

Source: www.thehindu.com

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