Cong MP raises concerns over irregularities in lignite mining

Jaipur/Jaisalmer: Congress MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal raised serious allegations against JSW Group regarding illegal lignite mining operations in Rajasthan's Barmer, Jaisalmer and Balotra districts, during Thursday's Lok Sabha session.

The Barmer MP claimed evidence of multiple violations, including illegal land encroachment, unauthorised mining activities and breaches of regulatory guidelines. Citing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, Beniwal claimed these irregularities have resulted in substantial revenue losses to the government and severe environmental degradation. According to Beniwal, JSW Group illegally transferred the Jalipa and Kapurdi lignite mines to private companies without proper authorisation. "The company has encroached on govt land, common grazing areas and water bodies, causing irreparable damage to the environment and local communities," he stated during his parliamentary address.

The allegations extend to environmental concerns, with Beniwal highlighting violations of National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines. He pointed out inadequate dust control measures during mining operations and questioned the implementation of mandatory tree plantation programs.

The MP also raised issues regarding unfulfilled corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments. "Promises of permanent employment made to landowners during acquisition remain unmet, and there has been minimal investment in local development using CSR funds," Beniwal said.

He cited incomplete school buildings in Meratho Ki Dhani and Met Khan (Kapurdi) as examples of neglected development projects.