The detection of a coal layer just 160ft below the ground in the first round of exploratory drilling at the proposed Deocha Pachami coal mine site has prompted the Bengal government to take multiple initiatives to ensure that fresh trouble does not erupt in the area.

Sources said that during a videoconference chaired by chief secretary H.K. Dwivedi on Saturday, senior officials from Nabanna directed the police and civil administration in Birbhum to be vigilant about the possibility of any group or political party attempting to disturb the ongoing work.

“Coal was detected only 160ft below the surface, which has surpassed our expectations. This could be an opportune moment for people who are against the coal mine to create disturbance in the area. Officials and police officers in the district have been asked to keep a close vigil on the ground,” said a senior state government official.

The Bengal government began exploratory drilling on Thursday at the proposed Deocha-Pachami coal mine site with the written consent of villagers. After drilling for around 48 hours, the first coal layer was detected on Friday.

“The police have been asked to set up a good network to gather intelligence from the ground. As the area has a porous border with Jharkhand, the sensitive areas adjoining the neighbouring state will also be kept under surveillance,” an official said.

Since the project was announced by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, a large number of villagers, mostly tribals, have been demanding its scrapping. An apolitical platform was formed in February this year with the help of activists from Calcutta to create pressure on the government. The members of the platform, who were staging an indefinite demonstration for the past five months, have begun a hunger strike.

“We are conducting meetings with our local people. We will continue our hunger strike as part of our non-violent movement. It is not a fact that villagers from all areas are ready to allow the government to start drilling work for coal,” said a member of the platform.

Sources said the drilling was started in Kendrapahari village that falls under the first leg of the coal mine project. Exploratory drilling will be conducted in 14 places in the first phase to assess the quality and quantity of the coal reserves.

The officials said they were confident and hopeful that there would be no hindrance.

“We are keeping an eye on the activities of any outfit or group of people. We will take stern action if anyone tries to disturb the local people and the project deliberately,” said a source.

Apart from being vigilant, the government is ensuring that the interests of the villagers of Kendrapahari who had given their nod in writing are safeguarded.

“The villagers are our strength, so we are mindful of all their proposals and issues. We need to keep them satisfied to start mining here,” said a source.

At Saturday’s meeting, the officials also discussed the rehabilitation of around 162 families at Kendrapahari.

The sources said the state government would take photographs of three rehabilitation colonies in West Burdwan and Jharkhand and show them to the villagers in Birbhum for them to choose model houses for themselves. “If the villagers want, we will also arrange a trip for their representatives to those colonies,” said an official.