By Shibayan Raha:
Case: Jharia
Name: Jharia Coal Fields
Alternate Names: The Living Pyre, Hell on Earth
Location: Dhanbad District, Jharkhand, India
Population: 81,979 (2001 Census)
Future: Unknown
Jharia is not only one of the largest coal mines in India, but also one of the largest in Asia. What once was a dense forest populated by tribes, Jharia, famous for its rich coal resources, was sacrificed at the altar of development. Uncontrollable fires have been raging havoc and spewing dirty smoke for the last 98 years.
Reports indicate that as many as 70 fires are burning in Jharia coalfield.
Reports indicate that over 2300 families have been relocated
Many promises like schools, hospitals and free utilities remain undelivered
“How can any project that leads to further impoverishment of the communities…be called development?” — Stalin K, human rights activist.
Note: This article was originally published here.