Key Highlights
- A 14 days road blockade and sit-in against Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL) ended on 28th September 2026.
- The protest was led by the Adivasi Moolvasi Samiti, Odmo, along with affected villagers of Pachwara South Open Cast Coal Mine Project in Dumka, Jharkhand.
- Villagers had submitted 19 demands to the company during talks.
- NUPPL agreed to five demands, including regular health camps, medical and ambulance services, a new ambulance, a school bus and job oriented training.
- The company assured that the remaining demands would also be considered.
- Villagers warned of renewed protests if the agreed measures were not implemented within the promised time.
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Dumka (Gopikandar): A 14 days road blockade and sit-in by villagers affected by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL) mining operations ended on 28th September 2026 after the company agreed to five of the 19 demands raised by them. The protest, led by the Adivasi Moolvasi Samiti, Odmo, had affected coal mining operations in the area.
During a detailed meeting between the committee, affected villagers and NUPPL officials, the villagers placed their 19 point charter of demands before the company. NUPPL agreed to organise regular health camps in affected villages and provide a mobile medical vehicle and ambulance service once a week in Silangi, Odmo and Madhuban. The company also assured that a new ambulance would be provided for the affected villages within six months.
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The company also agreed to arrange a new school bus before the start of the new academic session. The bus will carry students from Silangi to Amrapara for their schooling. Another agreement covers job oriented training for local youths in trades such as masonry, driving, plumbing and electrical work. NUPPL also assured the villagers that the remaining demands would be examined and decisions taken after consideration.
Protest Ends, Warning Remains
Following the meeting, the Adivasi Moolvasi Samiti and affected villagers announced the end of the road blockade and sit-in against company vehicles. However, they said they would resume the agitation if the assurances were not implemented within the stipulated time. An earlier meeting on 19th September between the block administration, company representatives and villagers had failed to produce a settlement. The villagers had then also sought resolution of issues related to the coal block and the presence of the district deputy commissioner at the public hearing.
