Ramagarh: A public hearing was organised in Tokisud village under Patratu block on Wednesday as the process to open a new coal mine, Tokisud-II, by Twenty First Century Pvt Ltd (Mumbai) nears completion. The meeting, chaired by Ramgarh Additional Deputy Commissioner Geetanjali and conducted by Chandan Kumar from the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board, saw participation from local officials, public representatives, company executives and a large number of villagers.
Among those present were Patratu Circle Officer Manoj Kumar Chaurasia, former minister Yogendra Saw, block chief Kaushalya Devi, local mukhiya Pano Devi, panchayat representatives Ajay Singh and Sunita Devi, former mukhiya Gangadhar Mahto, deputy mukhiya Ujwal Singh, and company officials including Executive Director Prabhat Sinha and CEO Revati Raman Srivastava.
Villagers and local leaders raised concerns about potential environmental impacts, displacement, compensation, and employment opportunities once the coal mine becomes operational. Company representatives addressed each question in detail. CEO Revati Raman Srivastava assured that all concerns would be taken into account and provided satisfactory answers to the queries raised.
Hundreds of people, including men and women from nearby villages, attended the hearing and shared their views and grievances. Officials responded to each issue raised and assured villagers that their concerns would be addressed before the project proceeds. The hearing concluded with a broad understanding between villagers and the company on environmental safeguards, compensation, and rehabilitation measures.