Mathura Mahato, chairperson of a special committee of the Jharkhand Assembly, said on Tuesday that Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) had deposited Rs two billion (Rs 2 bn) with the state in exchange for the utilisation of government land for mining. The comment came as the special committee on questions and calling attention met in Dhanbad to review allegations of mining and overburden dumping. The panel was described as examining operations by coal public sector undertakings and contractors in the district. The development was raised during routine oversight of mining activity.

The committee was reported to be reviewing issues relating to mining and overburden dumping on raiyat, which refers to private landholders, as well as on government and forest lands. The chairperson identified Bharat Coking Coal Limited and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) among the state run firms involved in operations in the area and noted the role of various outsourcing firms. The panel considered the scale and locations of alleged land use and dumping in Dhanbad district. The review sought to establish the patterns of land utilisation by the companies.

Mahato noted that BCCL had not only utilised raiyat plots but had also made use of government land for mining purposes and that the financial deposit had been made to the state accordingly. The committee examined the circumstances under which land was being accessed and the arrangements applied by the firms concerned. Officials provided routine material to the panel as part of the review process, and the deliberations focused on the factual record. The inquiry formed part of legislative oversight of mining regulation in the state.

The panel meeting underscored continuing attention to land management and environmental concerns associated with coal extraction in the region. The chairperson indicated that the assembly mechanism was being used to gather information and clarify the extent of public sector involvement in land use. Further proceedings of the committee were expected to consolidate findings for submission to the legislature. The matter remained under review by the panel.