Jharkhand Chief Secretary Rajiv Gauba, BCCL CMD T K Lahiri and other officials today faced protest by local people during their visit to underground mines fire affected areas of Jharia in Dhanbad district today.
Gauba and Lahiri along with Mining Secretary D K Tiwary and Planning Commissioner of Jharkhand A K Singh visited various localities like RSP College and Bokapahadi to review the situation.
As Gauba and others reached RSP College, the affected residents under the banner of Jharia Bachao Samiti began shouting slogans against the BCCL.
Raja Shiv Prasad (RSP) College, the oldest one in Dhanbad district, is under threat by the mine fire.
The protesters were expressing their anger against the BCCL for its "inaction" in controlling the under ground mines fire and saving the residential areas.
"Go back CMD," they were shouting.
Gauba, however, pacified them and assured them to take action to save the area.
Later talking to media persons at Dhanbad airport, the chief secretary said Jharia mines fire is century old problem.
He said they came to review the situation as well as works being done for controlling the fire. "Though works are on progress but it needs to be solid and fast," Gauba said.
Stating that over 70,000 affected residents would have to be rehabilitated at safe place, he said Jharia Rehabilitation Development Authority (JRDA) and the district administration have been asked to settle them at a place where livelihood can be available.
He said all options would be discussed with all stakeholders before taking a final decision on fate of the RSP college as the mine fire is approaching it from three sides.
'Jharia Bachao Samiti' president Ashok Agarwal alleged that the BCCL's efforts to control the fire was not honest.
"It is only eyewash. Half hearted works are being done. The rehabilitation they are offering is also grossly inadequate," he claimed.
The BCCL wants the local people to move to whatever shelter it is offering so that the company can lift the coal, Agarwal alleged.
The chief secretary also held meeting with officials of JRDA, BCCL and district administration on the issue.
