Thu Feb 06 17:39:34 UTC 2025: ## Deocha Pachami Coal Mining Project Begins in West Bengal Amidst Protests
**Kolkata, February 7, 2025** – Work on the massive Deocha Pachami coal mining project in West Bengal’s Birbhum district commenced on Thursday, February 6th, with the initial phase of basalt mining. This follows Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s announcement at the Bengal Global Business Summit that mining would begin on February 7th.
The Birbhum District Magistrate, Bidhan Ray, confirmed that work started on 12 acres of state-owned land, requiring no further land acquisition. He explained that the removal of the basalt layer covering the coal reserves is a necessary first step. The coal mine will be an underground operation in its initial phase. The administration plans to relocate trees and a nearby primary school.
Ms. Banerjee has touted Deocha Pachami as the world’s second-largest coal block, boasting reserves of 1,240 million tonnes of coal and 675 million tonnes of basalt. The project, estimated at ₹35,000 crore, is considered the West Bengal government’s flagship initiative.
While the government assures that no forceful land acquisition will occur and that those who voluntarily relinquish land will receive compensation (double the market value plus 100% solatium, approximately ₹13 lakh per bigha, along with improved housing compensation), protests erupted Thursday morning. Landowners demanded job guarantees, raising concerns about displacement. The District Magistrate attempted to quell concerns, promising that local residents would be prioritized for employment opportunities generated by the project. Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam also reported that operations were proceeding smoothly.
Initially, the state planned to begin basalt mining on 376 acres, but it was discovered that an additional 50 acres still require acquisition. The basalt layer at the project site varies in thickness from 100 to 350 meters.
First Piper 