Since last one week several political and social workers were blaming that NTPC coal mining project Barkagaon has started mining activity in Chirudih and Pakri Barwadih area without getting no objection certificate from the Forest and Environment Department.
As the allegations started getting space in some local news papers the officials of NTPC came forward with documentary evidences to clear the air. NTPC officials have released the photocopy of a letter issued by additional secretary of Coal Ministry ‘13016/29/2003CA’ dated 11/10/2004 in which it has been clearly stated that the forest land has been allotted to Pakri-Barwadih coal block of NTPC. The officials said that after completing all the legal procedures the organisation has started mining activity in Pakri Barwadih project from May 2016. On the basis of information gathered by them through RTI the State president of RJD Gautam Sagar Rana and a social activist Dileshwar Mahto have claimed that the forest land has yet not been transferred to NTPC but the company has started mining work.
On the other hand Gautam Sagar Rana and Dileshwar Mahto are stressing on the RTI reply given to them by the Department in which it has been stated that the forest department has yet not transferred the land to NTPC and no permission has been given by it to the organisation to start mining activity in forest area.
Mining has already been started at Barkagaon by NTPC and opposition is trying its best to make hurdles in its path so it will be better for the government departments to make better coordination before making any information public on this issue.