Coal labour

The labourers’ hardships in the mines of Jharia have no parallels. With the world’s coal needs and production doubling over the last two decades, mining hotspots like Jharia has invigorated activity that is ongoing.

Another sight has become a part of Jharia’s brooding picture, that of villagers carrying scavenged baskets of coal for illegal sales. The scavenging happens at open-cast mine fields. These illegally traded coal earns the villagers but meagre cash. And it is ironical, that the very horror of their everyday life is being scavenged adventurously for petty payment.

About 2300 families were relocated to Belgaria, a nearby neighbourhood deemed safe. This is but a fraction of the population of Jharia. And for the relocated families, much of what was promised is still not delivered – job transitions, quality education and proper healthcare.