Dhanbad: Fear and anger have spread through Kamini Kalyan Colony in Jharia after cracks appeared in several houses, with around 44 affected homes reportedly identified so far. Residents have accused Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) of failing to provide immediate relief and instead pasting notices asking them to vacate the locality.The notice was reportedly issued by project officer of Rajpur Project under Bastacola Area, declaring the area dangerous due to the threat of land subsidence. The move has sparked resentment, with residents questioning why no warning was issued before cracks began appearing in their homes.Locals said around 44 families live on nearly 12 acres they claim is raiyati. They said they have been paying land revenue and possess receipts. Residents added that if BCCL wanted the area vacated for coal extraction, it must first provide rehabilitation and suitable compensation for both houses and land.Resident Manoj Kumar Rawani said his ancestors had purchased the land after years of painstaking savings and built their homes there. He said the family would not allow ancestral property and years of hard work to be rendered meaningless without proper rehabilitation and compensation.Residents alleged BCCL was using the threat of land subsidence to create fear and force them out. They demanded that the land’s actual status—whether BCCL-owned or raiyati—be verified through a proper survey by circle officer. They warned they would approach the court if their demands were ignored.BCCL PRO Abhishek Mishra said he was unaware of the notice and would speak to area officials before commenting.
