Protests cast shadow over mining of India's largest coal block

West Bengal project pits locals against state as foreign firms see opportunity

20211230 Coal India Woman shovels coal

A woman shoveling coal in Kamduni, West Bengal, where the government hopes to mine the country's biggest block.  © Getty Images

SNIGDHENDU BHATTACHARYA, Contributing writer

KOLKATA -- Tensions between the state government and locals are rising in West Bengal state where mining of India's largest coal block is set to begin.

Around 21,000 people will have to relocate from the Deocha-Pachami site for the project to go ahead but protesters are refusing to budge and have been organizing demonstrations over the last few weeks, with backing from political parties, human rights bodies and environmental groups.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.