Dhanbad: Around 170 families from Rajput Basti and Muslim Basti in Kenduadih, living in fire- and subsidence-affected areas, have agreed to relocate to Belgaria Township after expressing satisfaction with the revised rehabilitation package offered under the Jharia Rehabilitation Plan.Deputy commissioner Aditya Ranjan said the rehabilitation plan was explained in detail to affected residents during a meeting held at Kenduadih. Officials of the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) outlined the facilities and financial assistance available to each displaced family.Under the package, each family will be allotted two quarters in Belgaria Township. During shifting, families will receive Rs 50,000 as shifting assistance, Rs 50,000 as rental assistance and Rs 50,000 as livelihood support, taking the immediate assistance to Rs 1.5 lakh. The remaining Rs 1 lakh will be paid after completion of six months following rehabilitation, taking the total financial assistance to Rs 2.5 lakh per family.Residents also raised concerns over religious and social facilities at the township, seeking arrangements for temples, mosques and a cemetery.Officials said that one mosque already exists in Belgaria. They assured residents that JRDA would positively consider demands for additional temples, mosques and a cemetery.Following the assurances and details of the rehabilitation package, the residents expressed satisfaction and agreed to shift to Belgaria.Officials said employment opportunities and livelihood options have remained a major concern among families living in fire-affected areas, despite repeated efforts by the district administration and BCCL to facilitate relocation.Under the revised Jharia rehabilitation plan, the administration is now focusing on creating employment and self-reliance opportunities for families already shifted to Belgaria. Officials believe these measures are gradually increasing confidence among residents and encouraging more families from hazardous areas to relocate to the township.
