Dhanbad: Health minister Irfan Ansari visited the subsidence-hit Chhatabad area under Katras police station and extended support to residents protesting against the alleged delay in relief, compensation and rehabilitation after the latest land subsidence incident.The August 6 incident, the second major subsidence in Chhatabad within a month, triggered panic after around 24 houses were reportedly destroyed. Three days later, residents accused Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) of delaying relief and rescue measures. They also blamed heavy blasting by an outsourcing company for the subsidence.Affected families have been sitting on an indefinite dharna on the outsourcing company’s premises, demanding compensation and permanent rehabilitation. The protest has disrupted the company’s operations.Ansari inspected the damaged site and interacted with residents before reaching the protest venue, where he assured the families of all possible assistance.“Coal does not belong only to the Union govt or BCCL. Local people and raiyats also have rights over the resources of this land,” Ansari said, advising BCCL and CISF personnel against allegedly using force against protesters.Ansari said if BCCL failed to provide compensation, the Disaster Management Department would be approached to ensure compensation and shelter for the victims. He appealed to the local MLA and MP to intervene and help resolve the grievances of the affected families.
