Thu Jul 03 18:04:52 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
CPI(M) West Bengal Secretary Md Salim is calling for a judicial inquiry into the Deocha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harisingha (DPDH) coal mining project, alleging a significant scam involving breach of tender guidelines, violations of the allotment agreement, and corruption. He claims a private company, Trancemarine, was improperly acquired by Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd after being selected as the mine developer and operator, a violation of the original tender. Salim also alleges that the government is deliberately miscategorizing the project to avoid environmental scrutiny and that the central BJP government is enabling the Trinamool’s corruption. He criticizes the project’s lack of transparency and accountability, highlighting delays in submitting geological reports and mining plans. The project has also faced protests from local activists concerned about displacement and violations of tribal rights.
**News Article:**
**CPI(M) Demands Inquiry into “Scam-Ridden” West Bengal Coal Project**
**KOLKATA, July 3, 2025** – The Communist Party of India (Marxist) is demanding a judicial inquiry into the Deocha-Pachami-Dewanganj-Harisingha (DPDH) coal mining project in West Bengal, alleging widespread corruption and irregularities. Addressing the press today, CPI(M) State Secretary Md Salim labeled the project a “big scam” and called for its immediate halt pending a thorough investigation.
Salim alleges that the tendering process was compromised when Trancemarine and Confreight Logistics Private Limited, initially selected as the mine developer and operator (MDO) for basalt mining, was subsequently acquired by Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd. This acquisition, according to Salim, violates the West Bengal Power Development Corporation’s (WBPDCL) tender conditions. He claims this change in ownership points to “deep corruption” as the new owners will be entitled to a significant portion of the projected ₹5000 crore profits from basalt mining alone. The CPI(M) leader further suggested that officials with the ruling Trinamool Congress stand to benefit from the alleged illicit deal.
He also criticized the central government’s perceived inaction. “The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre is a silent enabler of Trinamool’s corruption,” Salim stated, questioning why the WBPDCL was even issuing tenders for a basalt mining project.
The CPI(M) secretary also accused the state government of deliberately downplaying the project’s scale to circumvent environmental regulations and public hearings.
The DPDH coal mining project, located in Birbhum, is purported by the state government to be the largest coal block in India and the second-largest in the world. However, the project has been met with resistance from local activists and residents who are concerned about displacement of indigenous populations and violations of tribal rights. The Calcutta High Court has already directed the West Bengal government and the WBPDCL to file affidavits in response to a petition concerning the project.
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