Dhanbad, the industrial powerhouse located in Jharkhand’s eastern region and fondly known as ‘The Coal Capital of India’, suffered a devastating blow as a child was among the three individuals killed in an illegal coal mine collapse. The city, recognized as Jharkhand’s second-largest industrial hub after Jamshedpur, is also one of the 24 districts of the state. Dhanbad’s fame primarily stems from its extensive coal mines, and the city proudly claims ownership of the country’s largest mine.
With over 100 coal mines and a multitude of coal washeries, Dhanbad is home to some of the most prominent names in the industry, such as Tata Steel, Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO), and Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). Besides being a coal mining hub, the city is also well-known for its power generation plants.
The catastrophic event occurred at the Bhowra Colliery Area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited, a site previously declared closed. The early morning disaster led to several individuals becoming trapped under the rubble. Quick-acting community members promptly arrived at the scene, rescuing people from the debris and rushing five victims to nearby medical facilities. Despite these swift efforts, three people – a woman, a 25-year-old man, and a child – tragically lost their lives.
An officer from the Jorapokhar police station, present at the scene, confirmed the receipt of distress calls regarding people trapped under the debris following the mine’s collapse. He clarified, “Additional information will only be available upon further investigation.”
Witness Vinod Kumar Sudhakar expressed frustration at the authorities’ lacklustre response to the crisis, stating, “Despite immediate notifications about the collapse, their reaction was slow. We managed to pull out a few individuals and sent them to hospitals. We demand the registration of a First Information Report and call for action against the rampant illegal mining activities in the area. Despite multiple complaints, no decisive action has been taken.”
Sudhakar and other residents lament the tragic outcome of ignored complaints about illegal mining activities, causing them to live in a state of perpetual danger. The recent mine collapse is a stark reminder of the urgent need for strict regulation and monitoring of the region’s coal mining industry.