CAG Report Slams WB Govt over Failure to Protect Tribal Rights in Mining Land Acquisition

KOLKATA: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has criticised the West Bengal government for failing to safeguard the interests of tribal communities during land acquisition for mining projects between 2017-18 and 2021-22, resulting in inadequate compensation in several cases.

In its audit of land management in tribal areas, the CAG attributed the shortcomings to the inaction and lack of involvement of district-level officials, including revenue officers and district collectors, which also affected rehabilitation measures. The audit examined 66 land acquisition cases linked to mining operations of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) in Salanpur, Sripur, Kunustoria and Parbelia, and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in Barakar.