The Indian government is preparing to review a revised master plan for Jharia, one of the country’s largest coal mining regions, which has long struggled with environmental and safety issues due to rampant underground fires and pollution. The Cabinet is expected to soon take a call on the updated plan, which aims to address the complex challenges of rehabilitation, environmental restoration, and sustainable mining practices in the region.

The Jharia area, located in Jharkhand, has been infamous for its coal fires, which have been burning for decades, causing severe air pollution and health problems for local communities. The revised plan is expected to introduce modern mining technologies, improve safety standards, and provide a roadmap for resettlement of affected populations. Additionally, the plan will focus on rehabilitating the land and mitigating the environmental impact of coal extraction.

This development comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to modernize the coal sector and improve the living conditions of people in mining areas. The updated Jharia master plan also seeks to strike a balance between meeting the country’s coal demand and addressing long-standing issues of environmental sustainability.