Displaced women paralyse operation of coal mine in Odisha’s Sundargarh

ROURKELA: Women protesters on Tuesday disrupted operation of Dulunga coal mine of NTPC in Sundargarh’s Hemgir block for 14 hours demanding rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) benefits to eligible married daughters of displaced families.

Around 40 eligible women of displaced families along with their supporters blocked the entry gate of the mine from 4.30 am to affect coal mining operation and transportation. The agitators said married daughters of displaced families have been fighting a long battle for the R&R benefits. A meeting held on Monday to resolve the issue in presence of the Sundargarh ADM (Revenue) and other senior officials failed following which they decided to stage protest.

Social activist Himanshu Sarangi said the NTPC has been delaying the release of compensation and other R&R benefits to 40 eligible married daughters whose names were approved by the district administration after verification. The agitators had closed the Dulunga mine several times in the past and also courted arrest.