Apr 30, 2025
Jadugoda’s Toxic Truth: India’s Nuclear Dumping Yard
Jadugoda, located in East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, is known for its uranium mining industry, which powers India’s nuclear ambitions but also brings severe environmental and health issues
In 1967, the Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) began mining operations, making Jadugora India’s first large-scale uranium mining site
Uranium is extracted through a 640-meter deep vertical shaft, and the mining process releases radioactive dust and radon gas into the environment
The local community faces increased health risks, with higher rates of cancer and birth defects reported, many linked to uranium exposure
The mining operations have displaced indigenous communities, leaving them without traditional livelihoods and causing social unrest
Despite environmental harm, the indigenous tribes like the Santhals and Mundas continue to preserve their culture and way of life in the face of adversity
The Rankini Temple, built between 1947 and 1950, stands as a cultural landmark amidst the uranium mines, attracting visitors from surrounding regions
Jadugora’s residents face a tough choice between mining benefits and environmental costs, with radiation exposure leading to severe health issues
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