Local villagers protest against one of the largest coal mines of Jharkhand run by Panem Coal Mines Limited. People have put blockade to all kind of works for about 20 days In Nov-Dec 2012. Uncertainty hangs over the project, with locals vowing not to let a single coal-laden truck leave the mines until the displaced families are rehabilitated. The former chief minister who hails from tribal in a letter to then Indian premier said,' not only is the company involved in exploitation of natural resources illegally, it is also doing injustice to the tribal people of the area and is grossly violating environmental norms.'.(1) The former chief minister claimed that Panem Coal Mines Limited extracting coal in excess from its allotted coal mine in Pakur district of Jharkhand. He termed the action of the company as 'theft' that was continuing for the last six years. Catholic nun Valsa John (52), who was involved in a movement against displacement of tribal people by coal mining companies in Jharkhand, was shot dead in November 2011 . She was a member of the Rajmahal Pahar Bachao Andolan. The murder happened at Bachuwari village of Pakur district, The police suspect the coal mafia to be behind it. In the immediate context, she had been protesting against the functioning of a private coal mine in Pakur district. She was staying in Bachwari for the last 12 years, all by herself. She was seeking to protect the interests of the Santhal tribe, some members of which were displaced by the Panem Coal Mines.(3) (See less) |
Local villagers protested against one of the largest coal mines of Jharkhand, they went on strike. Sister Valsa John, involved in movement against displacement of tribal Santhal people, was killed.
Local villagers protest against one of the largest coal mines of Jharkhand run by Panem Coal Mines Limited. People have put blockade to all kind of works for about 20 days In Nov-Dec 2012. |
| Name of conflict: | Panem Coal Mines, Jharkhand, India |
| Country: | India |
| State or province: | Jharkhand |
| Location of conflict: | Pakur |
| Accuracy of location | HIGH (Local level) |
| Type of conflict. 1st level: | Mineral Ores and Building Materials Extraction |
| Type of conflict. 2nd level: | Coal extraction and processing |
| Specific commodities: | Coal |
| Project details | The mine in the Pakur district has about 562 million tonnes of coal reserves. The company has been allowed to do open-mining for 44 years. |
| Type of population | Rural |
| Affected Population: | 10,000-20,000 |
| Start of the conflict: | 2011 |
| Company names or state enterprises: | Panem from India - is a joint venture company between the Punjab State Electricity Board and a Kolkata-based private company Punjab State Electricity Board from India |
| Relevant government actors: | Punjab State Electricity Board Government of Jharkhand |
| Environmental justice organizations (and other supporters) and their websites, if available: | Rajmahal Pahar Bachao Samiti, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha Prajatantric-JVM) chief Babulal Marandi, Jharkhand Congress Party |
| Intensity | HIGH (widespread, mass mobilization, violence, arrests, etc...) |
| Reaction stage | In REACTION to the implementation (during construction or operation) |
| Groups mobilizing: | Indigenous groups or traditional communities Local government/political parties Neighbours/citizens/communities Women Ethnically/racially discriminated groups Santhal adivasi |
| Forms of mobilization: | Blockades Street protest/marches Strikes |
| Environmental Impacts | Potential: Biodiversity loss (wildlife, agro-diversity), Deforestation and loss of vegetation cover, Surface water pollution / Decreasing water (physico-chemical, biological) quality, Groundwater pollution or depletion |
| Socio-economical Impacts | Potential: Displacement, Lack of work security, labour absenteeism, firings, unemployment, Loss of livelihood |
| Project Status | In operation |
| Conflict outcome / response: | Compensation Deaths, Assassinations, Murders Under negotiation |
| Proposal and development of alternatives: | Fair rehabilitation through compensation and public services. |
| Do you consider this an environmental justice success? Was environmental justice served?: | Yes |
| Briefly explain: | The decision to end the strike was arrived at a meeting organised by Santhal Pargana district commissioner with Panem Coal Mines chairman and managing director along with representatives from different political leaders and Rajmahal Pahari Bachao Andolan Samiti. Assurance has given to start a plus-two school and a hospital within next six months. The mines authority has also assured to provide irrigation facilities to the farmers in the affected area, besides electricity, employment and adequate compensation for land acquisition. (2) |
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| Related media links to videos, campaigns, social network |
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| Contributor: | Swapan Kumar Patra |
| Last update | 18/08/2019 |
| Conflict ID: | 911 |