Toxic gas leak from coal mine puts 25,000 lives at risk; administration on high alert

Dhanbad (The Uttam Hindu): The toxic gas leak from a closed coal mine in the Kenduadih area of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand, has continued for the past five days. The approximately 25,000 people in the affected area are living in constant fear. The biggest challenge facing the administration and BCCL (Bharat Coking Coal Limited) management is to evacuate this densely populated area and evacuate the entire area.

The gas is spreading rapidly in Rajput Basti, Masjid Mohalla, Naya Dhaura, Officer Colony, and Basti Number 5. The strong odor is reaching the main road, and locals are wearing masks when going out. Nearby shops are closed. The ground is still hot in many areas of the affected area, and there is a risk of landslides.

After inspecting the area with an administrative team, Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary of the Coal Ministry, said that the Rajput Basti area has been declared "extremely dangerous." He acknowledged that given the dire situation, the priority is to evacuate people to safer locations. He said, "People should save their lives first. Initiatives are underway to provide employment and compensation." BCCL management says that gas had been trapped in the closed colliery for years and has now reached the surface.

General Manager GC Saha said, "A permanent solution is possible only when the entire area is cleared." On Saturday, the administration began transporting about 100 people by bus to rehabilitation sites in Belgadia and Karmatand, but the buses were delayed due to protests by the affected people. Local residents say they will not leave their homes without substantial compensation and assured employment. Later, after the intervention of the Putki Block Development Officer, the people were pacified and the buses were able to depart.

BCCL has set up temporary rehabilitation camps, each accommodating approximately 200 people, at two affected locations: Kenduadih Middle School and Durga Mandir Maidan. Some families are being relocated to a township built for displaced people in Belgadia.

It is noteworthy that two women, Priyanka Devi and Lalita Dev, died due to a gas leak in the area, and about 20 people were hospitalized with eye irritation, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. Experts believe this to be the effect of suffocating gases like carbon monoxide. This entire area has been declared a fire-prone and subsidence zone for years. In 2010-11, BCCL identified 302 houses here and began the relocation process, but the shifting was halted due to a lack of employment opportunities.