Community Dialogue on Sustainable Just Transition Held in Chatra

Chatra: The Center for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) organized a community dialogue cum sensitisation program on Sustainable Just Transition at the Tandwa Panchayat Bhawan, Chatra, bringing together local leadership, civil society organizations, and community representatives to discuss pathways for economic diversification and inclusive development in the district.

The event focused on Chatra’s socio-economic realities as a coal-producing yet aspirational district, with particular emphasis on Tandwa block, which lies at the heart of the North Karanpura coalfield. Discussions underlined the urgent need to reduce over-dependence on fossil fuel-based livelihoods, while simultaneously creating locally rooted, future-ready economic opportunities to enhance resilience and social well-being.The dialogue emphasized green jobs, climate-resilient agriculture, agro forestry, renewable energy, skill development, women’s participation, and effective use of DMFT and CSR funds to support sustainable development outcomes.

Key participants included Shri Ashwani Ashok, Director – Just Transition, CEED, Tandwa Mukhiya Smt. Sunita Devi, representatives from Gadilong, Raham, Kalyanpur, Sarhadu, Tandwa and Pokla Panchayats,Prof From Vanchal College and along with local social workers and CSO representatives.

Speaking on the occasion,Mr. Ashwani Ashok, Director – Just Transition, CEED, said, “For districts like Chatra, a just transition is not about moving away from fossil fuel overnight, but about preparing communities for the future. Economic diversification, local skills, and community-led planning are central to building a green, inclusive, and resilient economy that leaves no one behind..”
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Mrs. Sunita Devi, Mukhiya, Tandwa, highlighted community participation, adding, “When women, farmers, and youth are included in planning and skill-building, development becomes more meaningful. Such discussions give our communities a voice in shaping their own future.”

The discussions drew on CEED’s recent field-based findings, which underline limited income diversification, low levels of formal education and technical skills, and a strong dependence on fossil fuel-based livelihoods, particularly within a 10 km radius of mining areas. Participants collectively identified priority areas such as renewable energy, agro-forestry, food processing, eco-tourism, and low-carbon MSMEs as viable alternatives for as promising sectors for generating local employment and long-term economic resilience.

The event concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration and community-led solutions to support a low-carbon, inclusive and sustainable just transition for Chatra.

About CEED
The Center for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) works on climate resilience, energy transition, decarbonization, circular economy, air quality management, and sustainable mobility. CEED is the technical partner to the Government of Jharkhand’s Task Force on Sustainable Just Transition and actively works across Jharkhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.