The residents of Kenduadih Rajput Basti in Dhanbad are living in fear and anger after a suspected toxic gas leak from a dormant coal mining area claimed the lives of two women in two days. The community is now staging a protest, camping outside their homes in temporary shelters, and has vowed not to move until the authorities provide written assurances for proper rehabilitation and compensation.
A Tragedy Unfolds in the Dead of Night
According to local residents, a poisonous gas had been seeping from a zone affected by an underground mine fire, locally known as "bhu-ashan kshetra," for nearly four days. The victims, identified as 58-year-old Lalita Devi and 44-year-old Priyanka Devi, reportedly fell unconscious while sleeping in their separate homes on the night of Wednesday, December 4. Due to the winter chill, their windows were shut, and locals allege the lethal gas entered through cracks in the ground. Both women succumbed while being rushed to the hospital between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
Their houses were located approximately 300 to 400 metres from the suspected leak site. The incident has left the basti in shock, with reports indicating that seven or eight other residents who fainted earlier in the week remain hospitalized.
Years of Neglect and a Community's Defiant Stand
Protesters like SC Bose, a resident, highlighted that the mine in question has been closed for around 15 years. "Everyone knows it is an underground fire area. Gas leakage happens here repeatedly, but no permanent action has ever been taken," Bose stated. He voiced the community's frustration, asking, "Officials now tell us to vacate because it is dangerous. Why did the rehabilitation not happen in all these years? How many more deaths will it take?"
Following the deaths, senior officials from the district administration and the government-owned Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) visited the area on Thursday. They advised families to evacuate immediately due to the ongoing gas threat. However, the residents are refusing to budge. Their demands are clear: written guarantees for rehabilitation, compensation for the deceased families, and official recognition for LTH (Legal Title Holder) cardholders.
Administrative Response and a Contentious Rehabilitation Offer
Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan stated that the situation in Kenduadih is now normal and that the district administration has begun filling the spot from where the gas was escaping. A medical team has been deployed, and temporary arrangements are being made for affected families.
Regarding a long-term solution, Ranjan mentioned that a plan is being worked out to shift residents. "We have quarters ready in Karmatand and Belgharia. A list of 'ready-to-shift' quarters has been given to the residents. Those who are willing can shift immediately," he said. However, protesters have countered this claim, stating that the flats in Belgharia are in an unlivable condition.
The DC also pointed out that the residents were living illegally in a fire-affected mining zone where gas leakage risks are well-known. "Notices to shift have been issued for many years. Even recently, people were asked to vacate. But they have not shifted because their work and livelihood are around that area," Ranjan explained. On compensation, he said it would be provided as per BCCL's policy.
In response to the incident, the district administration has set up a committee to investigate. This panel will probe the alleged lack of coordination among officials and possible negligence. It will examine the sequence of events and identify persons whose lapse may have led to the tragedy. Officials assured that strict action would be taken based on the inquiry report. Notably, residents claimed that no FIR had been registered till Thursday evening.
