Copyright news18
Once known for its high-quality coking coal that powered India’s steel industry, this small Jharkhand town now lies under a cloud of smoke and fire. What was once its greatest resource has become its gravest crisis, as underground coal fires continue to consume the land and endanger lives in Jharia. 109 Years On, The Earth Still Burns The coal mine fire, which began around 1916, was not a natural disaster but a result of unscientific mining and poor safety practices. After extraction, several mine sections were left exposed, causing the coal to catch fire upon contact with air. What started as a small blaze has now spread through vast underground layers, engulfing hundreds of square kilometers in Jharia. Coal continues to smoulder beneath the surface, releasing intense heat and toxic gases. In several areas, the ground has weakened so much that it could collapse at any moment. Sinking Ground, Choking Air The people of Jharia are bearing the brunt of the century-old blaze. Continuous coal fires have caused the ground to sink, destroying homes and roads. Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide pollute the air, leading to rising cases of respiratory illnesses, skin problems, and lung diseases. The underground heat makes life unbearable, and while many residents are forced to relocate, poverty and limited job opportunities keep them trapped in the danger zone. Government Efforts, No Relief Efforts by the government and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) to extinguish the fire have so far met with limited success. In 2009, the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Plan (JRDP) was launched to relocate families to safer areas. However, the fire’s intensity and underground spread have made it nearly impossible to fully extinguish. Today, Jharia stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of uncontrolled mining and environmental negligence. In its smoke, not just coal but the hopes, health, and future of its people are burning, marking this as the city’s greatest tragedy.
