Bokaro: Factories operating in the Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA) industrial zone at Balidih are gradually turning the region into a hub of toxic smoke and ash, local residents alleged. They accused steel and sponge iron units of damaging agriculture, contaminating water sources, and adversely affecting public health.
Impact on Agriculture and Water
Residents of Barudih, Panjudih, Mahto Tola, Ghoda Balidih, Manjhladih, and Kodadih claimed that smoke and emissions from nearby industrial units regularly settle on agricultural fields, reducing crop productivity and affecting soil fertility. They also alleged that wells and other local water sources have become polluted, making farming increasingly unviable for many families.
“The biggest mistake was allowing such factories to come up in the middle of residential settlements. People are now forced to live amid constant pollution,” claimed Vijay, a resident.
Health Concerns
Villagers said that persistent dust, ash, and emissions have made life difficult, with respiratory ailments becoming increasingly common among children and the elderly. “Fresh air is no longer available. What we get instead is pollution from the chimneys,” said another resident, Vitika Hembram.
Political Response
JMM’s Bokaro city unit president Mantu Yadav warned of an agitation if the situation does not improve soon. “The industrial area has become a permanent source of poisonous smoke and ash. Pollution from these industries is destroying farmland, contaminating water, and affecting the health of villagers,” Yadav said.
Regulatory Action
Residents further alleged that the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) was ignoring the issue. Responding to the allegations, JSPCB member secretary Rajiv Lochan Bakshi said, “We are verifying the allegations.”
