Ranchi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious note of the recent deaths in the Birhor tribal community, issuing notices to the CMD of NTPC and the Deputy Commissioner of Hazaribagh. The commission has demanded written responses from both parties within four weeks, following a complaint by activist Mantu Soni.
In its observation, the NHRC stated that mining activities in the Chatty Bariatu project continue despite ongoing issues and reported fatalities. The Commission expressed concern that the lives and welfare of the Birhor community were not prioritized, and mining operations were allowed to proceed unchecked. It noted that the findings from the joint inspection committee compel the view that NTPC and the local administration failed to safeguard the rights of this Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
The Commission directed NTPC to clarify why mining continues at the site and whether a Social Impact Assessment was conducted prior to land acquisition. If conducted, details of the assessment must be shared with the Commission.
Similarly, the Hazaribagh DC has been asked to report on the district administration’s actions based on the findings and recommendations of the joint committee.
The report submitted by the committee, including inputs from the SDO (Sadar), confirmed that the Chatty Bariatu coal mining project began on April 25, 2022. The Birhor hamlet in Pagar village consists of 33 houses, four of which—located near the mining site—are in a dilapidated state. Residents have reported frequent respiratory illnesses, coughing, and fever due to exposure to dust from the mining operations.
While NTPC has installed a 25-foot green mesh barrier and planted trees in the area, most residents have refused relocation to Dhenka Basti in Barkagaon. The administration is currently seeking an alternative location for their resettlement.
The report also revealed that two community members—Durga Birhor and Kiran Kumari—died following the commencement of mining. Explosions associated with the mining activity have also caused structural damage to homes in the area.
The NHRC emphasized that continuing mining activities before relocating the affected community is unjustified, reiterating that the findings of the joint committee support this conclusion.