I investigated India’s DEADLY BURNING city!

Summary

The video explores the harsh realities faced by the people of Dhanbad, Jharkhand, where underground coal fires have been burning for over 100 years, causing environmental damage, dangerous pollution, and the destruction of homes. Despite the region's coal wealth, its residents suffer from severe health issues, poverty, and lack of government support. The video highlights personal stories of displacement and struggles for justice, while also emphasizing the importance of securing one's family with life insurance. It calls for a shift in perspective, urging viewers to see Jharkhand not just as a resource, but as a home in need of respect and protection.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dhanbad, Jharkhand has been burning underground since 1916, with coal fires that have continued for over a century, causing massive environmental destruction.
• 😀 The city is India's most polluted, with pollution levels exceeding Delhi's by 100 points, leading to widespread respiratory issues, asthma, and TB among the population.
• 😀 Thousands of homes in Dhanbad are sinking into the ground due to the burning coal, making the land unstable and unsafe for living.
• 😀 Local communities, especially children, are suffering from dangerous health effects due to the toxic smoke, including disabilities and brain damage.
• 😀 The underground fires waste vast amounts of coal, which could provide electricity for India for an entire year, but is instead lost to the flames.
• 😀 Dhanbad's coal is essential to India's power supply, yet the people of Dhanbad, who mine it, live in extreme poverty and face environmental hazards daily.
• 😀 The government’s promises to relocate families from the most dangerous areas of Dhanbad have largely failed, with only a small fraction of families being moved by 2024.
• 😀 The local people, particularly from tribal communities, are being exploited, with their land being mined without consent or fair compensation by both government and private entities.
• 😀 Despite years of efforts and numerous acts and speeches, the situation in Dhanbad remains dire, with local communities asking for compensation, relocation, and jobs in exchange for their land.
• 😀 The people of Dhanbad have been left to fend for themselves, with no clear solution or support in sight, as the land continues to burn, sink, and suffocate them.

Q & A

What is the primary issue facing the residents of Dhanbad, Jharkhand?

The primary issue in Dhanbad is the underground coal fires that have been burning for over 100 years, causing the ground to sink, air pollution, and environmental degradation. These fires are harmful to both the land and the people living there.

Why is Dhanbad considered the most polluted town in India?

Dhanbad is considered the most polluted town in India due to the deadly coal smoke emitted from the underground fires, which have raised pollution levels to 295, far exceeding the acceptable limit of 205, making the air toxic and causing severe health problems for the residents.

How has the coal mining industry affected the people of Dhanbad?

The coal mining industry in Dhanbad has resulted in the exploitation of local labor, environmental degradation, and displacement of people. Residents have lost their homes due to underground fires and land sinking, and the industry has failed to provide adequate compensation or relocation efforts for them.

What role do children play in the coal mining economy of Dhanbad?

Children in Dhanbad often engage in illegal coal collection to help their families survive. They gather coal from mining areas and sell it to support their households, even though this work is hazardous and not permitted.

How has the local government responded to the challenges faced by the people of Dhanbad?

The local government has made attempts to address the issues, such as aiming to relocate families and provide compensation. However, progress has been slow, with only a small fraction of the affected population being relocated, and the government has been criticized for not taking sufficient responsibility.

What health problems are prevalent in Dhanbad due to the coal fires and pollution?

The residents of Dhanbad suffer from severe respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), asthma, and bronchitis. Additionally, exposure to the toxic smoke has led to a rise in cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, especially among children.

What is the significance of the coal fires that have been burning since 1916 in Dhanbad?

The coal fires in Dhanbad, which began in 1916, have caused widespread environmental destruction, including land sinking and the destruction of homes. The fires continue to burn underground, wasting coal resources and making the land unsafe for habitation.

Why are the people of Dhanbad facing a dilemma regarding their land?

The people of Dhanbad, particularly the tribal communities, face a dilemma as their land is being mined without their consent. Despite the hazardous conditions, they are reluctant to leave their ancestral land, but they are also being forced to deal with sinking ground, fires, and a lack of compensation or relocation support.

How does the situation in Dhanbad reflect the larger issue of resource exploitation in India?

Dhanbad's situation reflects the larger issue of resource exploitation in India, where communities living in resource-rich areas are often neglected. The state's coal reserves are crucial for the country’s power supply, but the local population suffers from environmental hazards, poor living conditions, and lack of support.

What can be done to improve the living conditions of people in Dhanbad and other mining areas in India?

Improving the living conditions of people in Dhanbad and similar mining areas requires a concerted effort from the government, industry, and civil society. This includes proper compensation, safe relocation, strict environmental regulations, health care for affected populations, and sustainable mining practices that prioritize people over profit.