Jharia Residents Struggle with Coal Mining Issues Amid Jharkhand Elections
As Jharkhand prepares for assembly elections, the residents of Jharia in Dhanbad district are voicing their concerns over the ongoing coal mining operations that have been affecting their lives since the 19th century. Deepak Kumar, a local resident, highlighted the severe breathing problems caused by toxic gases from burning coal seams. He urged the coal ministry to implement a rehabilitation policy to prevent further deterioration of living conditions.
Jharia, known for its rich bituminous coal reserves, has been a key player in India’s coal economy. However, the legacy of coal mining has led to significant human and environmental costs, including health hazards and displacement of families. The underground fires, which have been burning for decades, release harmful gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane, causing respiratory issues among residents.
The State government has attempted to relocate residents through the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA), but the process has been slow and inadequate. Many displaced families face poor infrastructure and lack of employment opportunities in relocation sites. Despite some efforts, many families remain in Jharia, facing increasing fires and health risks.
Local political figures are addressing these issues as part of their election campaigns. Congress MLA Purnima Niraj Singh is in talks with the coal ministry, while BJP candidate Ragini Singh expresses confidence in winning the elections, criticizing the current government for its failures. The elections, scheduled for November 13 and 20, will see a contest between these two candidates.
Residents like Ritesh also report problems with drinking water and the impact of methane gas on their health. The ongoing fires have turned once-thriving neighborhoods into ghost towns, with contaminated water sources and barren land. Despite raising these issues, residents feel unheard, as political attention often shifts post-elections.
Doubts Revealed
Jharia -: Jharia is a town in the Dhanbad district of Jharkhand, India. It is known for its rich coal resources and has been a major site for coal mining.
Coal Mining -: Coal mining is the process of extracting coal from the ground. Coal is used as a fuel for electricity and other energy needs, but mining can cause environmental and health problems.
Toxic gases -: Toxic gases are harmful gases that can cause health problems. In Jharia, these gases come from burning coal seams and can lead to breathing issues for people living nearby.
Relocation efforts -: Relocation efforts refer to the government’s attempts to move people from dangerous areas to safer places. In Jharia, these efforts have not been very successful, leaving many residents still at risk.
Assembly elections -: Assembly elections are when people vote to choose their representatives in the state government. In Jharkhand, these elections decide who will make important decisions for the state.
Congress MLA -: Congress MLA refers to a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Congress party. Purnima Niraj Singh is the current Congress MLA contesting in the elections.
BJP candidate -: BJP candidate refers to a person running for election from the Bharatiya Janata Party. Ragini Singh is the BJP candidate in the upcoming Jharkhand elections.