February 10, 2025
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Protecting coal-mining families in India’s Jharkhand from environmental, health hazards

According to a recent estimate by the Directorate General of Mines Safety of India, mine accidents claim a large number of miners’ lives every year

Jharia, a city of Dhanbad in the Indian state of Jharkhand, is often called the “Black Diamond City” due to its extensive coal mining activities. However, this nickname comes with a dark side.

With a population of more than 475,000 (according to the state Government of Jharkhand), Jharia faces significant risks from underground coal fires and the resulting land subsidence. Many areas are prone to sudden sinkholes, making it a dangerous place to live.

A problem of homelessness, displacement

Jharkhand-based Lgatar News reported that Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in the Kujama colliery area in 2002 had issued notices to 130 families living in dangerous fire and subsidence zones, asking them to leave within 15 days or risk having their houses demolished.

However, the families in question said they would rather stay and face the fire and subsidence in the area than move to Belagardhia Township, as there are no basic facilities to live there.

Vijay Kumar Gupta, officer-in-charge of the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA, highlighted that the number of non-BCCL employees, originally planned to be 54,159, has now grown to over 100,000 families.

The JRDA is a state-government-run agency set up in 2004 to manage the resettlement of non-BCCL personnel living in affected areas.

The JRDA is partly funded through a levy of 10 rupees per tonne of coal sold by BCCL, which is set aside for the rehabilitation of fire affected victims. This generates about 3 billion rupees (about $45 million) per annum, part of which is paid to the JRDA.

In 2017, he also mentioned that more 2,103 families have been given homes in Belgharia, the relocation site, with 1,566 families already moved in.

At that time, he hoped that by the end of 2017, at least 10,000 new two-room homes will be ready. The government only gives homes to those people who already have homes not to those who have stayed in homes so it is a huge problem for those who belong to poor families and don’t have a home.

Health, environmental hazards

Staying in a coal mine area raises many health concerns and also affects the environment.

Although most of the land remains vacant because people illegally mine and sell coal to make money, the process causes intense pressure and chemical reactions that lead to fires. As a result, the area becomes engulfed in smoke, significantly increasing pollution affects all aspects of the environment—air, water, and land.

According to Green Media (2008), the smoke from the fires releases harmful gasses such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. These fumes, along with fine coal dust from the fires, lead to various lung and skin diseases.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that around 2.34 million people die each year due to work-related accidents and diseases, including mine workers. Of these deaths, the majority—2.02 million—are caused by work-related diseases.

Per a previous estimate by the Directorate General of Mines Safety of India, mine accidents claim a large number of miners’ lives every year.

From June 2016 to June 2019, a total of 417 miners were killed in fatal mine accidents, with 238 of the victims being coal miners.

In the latest known coal mine accident, at least seven people were killed and several others injured in a blast in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal in early October.

Promoting inclusive economic and social growth

Coal is a mineral made mostly of carbon. It is mainly used to produce electricity in power plants. Coking coal, taken from coal mines, is also used to make steel. Spurred on by soaring profits, a succession of owners and operators has nonetheless continued to extract coal.

At present, 44 mines are operating in the area, producing 35.86 million tonnes of coal in the last financial year. According to Basu, “The company inherited a legacy of more than 70 mine fires, covering an area of 17.32 square kilometers (6.68 square miles) (2017)”.

It is important to highlight that, according to BCCL’s annual report for 2016–17, the company recorded a net profit of Rs 763 crore in the 2014–15 financial year and Rs 768 crore in (2015–16).

Nite explains that the limitations on women’s employment made them more dependent and marginalised. However, Yoshida and Miyauchi, along with Jones (2014), emphasize the significant role these women played in strengthening the community, despite the male-dominated environment in mining areas.

Empowered by grassroots movements

As a student from India at the Asian University for Women, the Green Bangle Project being implemented in Chittagong’s Sitakunda on southeastern coast of Bangladesh has offered me a valuable platform to gain a broader understanding of global environmental issues.

Through workshops and activities, I have developed a deeper connection to nature and a clearer perspective on climate challenges. This experience has not only motivated me to think more critically about the environment but has also inspired me to actively seek solutions and overcome challenges.

A call for global action

The coal mine crisis in Dhanbad highlights the urgent need for global action, showing the impact of both local and global environmental challenges. The environmental damage, health risks, and displacement caused by mining activities are serious issues that require immediate attention.

As India shifts towards renewable energy, it’s important to consider the ethical concerns of resource extraction. The move to cleaner energy should not harm vulnerable communities, like those in Dhanbad and Jharia, who have long suffered due to coal mining. It is crucial to implement ethical mining practices, restore affected areas, and promote recycling technologies to reduce the need for further coal and rare earth extraction.

Governments, businesses, and consumers must work together to ensure that the transition to renewable energy is sustainable and fair, leading to a healthier future for both people and the planet.

Being from Dhanbad, particularly the Jharia region, I understand the challenges faced by communities living in coal mining areas. Coal extraction impacts both the environment and the people, making it necessary to find sustainable solutions with immediate action.

Author Nisha Agrawal is a member of Green Bangle Movement and a student of Asian University for Women, Chittagong, Bangladesh

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