Sarguja, Chhattisgarh |Tensions escalated at the Amera Open Cast Mine of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) on Tuesday when an attempt by district authorities to negotiate with protesting villagers turned violent, resulting in injuries to several senior officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) and the Additional Collector.
The Amera Open Cast Mine, a 1.0 MTPA project operating under Coal India Limited in Bishrampur area, has been facing resistance from a section of landowners in Parsodikala village. Although the mining land — spread across Parsodikala, Amera, Puhputra and Katkona and measuring 664.184 hectares — was legally acquired in 2001, protests intensified after the mine neared the settlement area.
Background of the Dispute
Mining operations began in 2011 and continued until 2019, when production was suspended due to opposition from a group of villagers demanding concessions beyond statutory and approved norms. Authorities allege that the agitation is being driven by “miscreants with vested interests,” including individuals engaged in coal pilferage and illegal activities. FIRs have been filed in earlier instances.
With intervention from the State Administration, the mine resumed in 2024 after additional land acquisition and disbursement of compensation and Resettlement & Rehabilitation (R&R) benefits. SECL states that ₹10 crore in compensation has been paid so far, and employment has been provided as per decisions of the District R&R Committee.
Day of the Incident — December 3
To break the deadlock and restart operations after protests halted the mine on November 8, 2025, senior district officials — including the ASP, SDM, and Tehsildar — reached the mine site at 10:00 AM to negotiate with the protestors.
However, villagers allegedly rejected talks and began pelting stones at both company personnel and the police force, injuring multiple officials including the ASP.
At 1:00 PM, the Additional Collector of Sarguja arrived to defuse tensions, but the mob reportedly intensified the attack and the official also sustained injuries.
Police Action and Resumption of Mining
With the situation turning hostile, additional police forces were mobilized to control the crowd and disperse the protesters. Later in the evening, mining machinery was deployed and partial mining operations resumed at 5:00 PM.
Official Response
SECL maintains that the land is legally acquired under the Coal Bearing (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957, and that compensation and employment commitments are being fulfilled. The company has formally urged both the District and State Administration to ensure safe working conditions and uninterrupted mining.
Authorities are expected to hold additional meetings to prevent further disruption and ensure safety of employees and government officials.