"Difficult to live here," Locals in Jharkhand's Jharia face health problems, displacement due to coal mining

By Raman Rai
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) [India], October 28 : With assembly elections in Jharkhand around the corner, residents of Jharia in the State's Dhanbad district highlight the problems faced by them due to the coal mining operations which have continued since the 19th century.
Deepak Kumar, a resident of Jharia mentioned that there are a lot of breathing problems faced by people, and warned that the situation could deteriorate further too.
"It is difficult to live here, we have difficulty breathing too. During rains, the smoke due to the fires which comes out of the ground, people get breathing problems with this.... the coal ministry has not done anything on this. They should take out a rehabilitation policy for this. If this is not dealt in time then it would be bad. Like a few years ago the ground collapsed in Jharia bazaar in Indira chowk, a similar thing can happen here."
The burning coal seams in Jharia release toxic gases, including sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, Methane gas leading to severe respiratory issues among residents.
The town has been synonymous with coal mining for over a century. It is known for its extensive reserves of high-quality bituminous coal, Jharia's resources have been a significant contributor to India's coal-based economy. However, this legacy has come at an enormous human and environmental cost, including the displacement of families, health hazards, and a landscape scarred by underground fires.

Coal mining in Jharia dates back to the early 19th century, when British companies began extracting the coal that powered India's burgeoning industries. Over time, the focus shifted to more aggressive extraction methods, resulting in vast, open-pit mines. As operations intensified, underground fires began to emerge, burning unchecked for decades, creating an uninhabitable environment for local residents.

The State government has made attempts to relocate residents to safer areas through the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA). However, the process has been slow and complicated. Many of displaced residents have reported inadequate facilities and support in relocation sites, with poor infrastructure, limited access to clean water, and lack of employment opportunities.
Moreover, Kumar further stated that despite some efforts by Jharkhand Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) for relocation, most of the families have been left here.
"Some people were taken by but many more were left here and the fires are increasing day by day. But I have spent my childhood here, it is difficult to leave one's birthplace to go somewhere too" he added.
Additionally, Jharia's residents are forced to leave their homes due to a creeping, ever-present danger that cannot easily be contained or reversed. Many residents have lived in Jharia for generations, relying on the land for sustenance, livelihood, and cultural heritage.
He said the incumbent Congress MLA, Purnima Niraj Singh has been working on this issue and has been in talks with the coal ministry.
Notably, BJP's Jharia candidate, Ragini Singh exuded confidence in the party winning with a huge majority.
"I first thank PM Modi and the party to trust me in this election. I think, not only in Jharia but all over Jharkhand the people are ready to vote the government out of power, the government which is against the youth, against farmers, against workers. In every aspect this government has failed, and people are waiting to vote them out. So not just in Jharia, the whole state kamal khilega (lotus will bloom)" she said on Saturday.
Additionally, Dhulu Mahto, the MP from Dhanbad, which comprises of Jharia assembly constituency said, "BJP will definitely come to power. Because of the injustice which has happened, the corruption, the murders which happened. The murders of Adivasi women, especially in Dhanbad too, the people have seen it all and because of this BJP will be coming to power and we will be winning all six assembly seats in Dhanbad."
The State will hold Assembly elections on November 13 and 20 is set to witness a battle between sisters-in-law, Congress candidate Purnima Niraj Singh and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ragini Singh.

Another resident of Jharia, Ritesh said they face problems with drinking water too.
"We face a lot of problems, not many people come here, methane gas gets out of here, its not good here. There is sickness too, and so much of illness no one is able to help treat it too. Our drinking water gets shut off sometimes, it will come one day be shut off for the next two days. The fire also has reached far and wide," he told ANI.
These fires, which started six to seven years ago continue to smolder today, causing deadly smoke, pollution, and instability in the ground itself. Due to the underground fires it releases Methane gas which causes severe diseases.
Thousands of families have been displaced or are currently at risk, as shifting grounds and toxic gases turn once-thriving neighborhoods into ghost towns. Once fertile land has been rendered barren, and local water sources have been contaminated.
When asked whether this should be an election issue in Jharkhand, he said, "Whatever we say, nobody listens to us. It has been told before too. There is no law for us, everyone just looks for votes once the votes are secured then they just look for themselves."