Relocation of 780 Families Planned in Palamu: Understanding the Government’s Initiative

The government has decided to rehabilitate approximately 780 families from seven villages in the Garhwa and Latehar districts due to the Mandal Dam project. The villages affected include Khaira, Bhajna, Sanaiya, Kutku, Khura, Chemo, and Meral. Local villagers, including Ajay Ganjhu, have emphasized the need for all essential facilities to be provided in the resettlement locations. The history of this project dates back to the 1970s when construction of the Mandal Dam began in the Palamu Tiger Reserve area. Work started in 1972 but had to be stopped after the Naxalite attacks in 1992-93, and the project remained incomplete for decades. After a long wait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi re-laid the foundation stone on January 5, 2019. With the government’s approval of the rehabilitation plan, the completion of the project seems more likely. This project, spread over approximately 1700 hectares, will provide sufficient irrigation water to several drought-affected districts of Bihar, benefiting agriculture and the rural economy.