'Blazing Crisis': Jharkhand Coal Mine Fires Intensify, Monsoon Rains Add to Woes

Ranchi– The ongoing monsoon rains have exacerbated the already critical situation in Jharkhand’s coal mining zones, where underground fires continue to burn unchecked. The threat of land subsidence and increased emissions of smoke and gas are causing widespread alarm in affected areas.

Districts like Dhanbad, Ranchi, Ramgarh, and Bokaro are reporting worsening fire conditions. Key hotspots include Jharia, Katras, Baghmara, and Sijua in Dhanbad; the Karakatta mine in Ranchi’s Khalari coalfield; Bhuchungdih village in Ramgarh; and Bokaro’s Dhori region.

In Jharia’s BCCL Area Nine and the Sijua-based Kanakani Colliery, thick smoke rises continuously from the ground. Residents are living in constant fear of ground collapse—a known risk in these coal regions.

The situation has been compounded by flooding from the monsoon rains, impacting both open and underground mines across BCCL’s 12 active areas. This has forced a halt in coal production, restricted worker access, and submerged heavy equipment, leading to serious losses.

Though BCCL had earlier issued alerts, inadequate drainage systems failed to prevent waterlogging, leading to increased gas leaks and land sinking near residential zones in Katras and Baghmara.

Despite the danger, families continue to live in homes declared unsafe years ago due to lack of rehabilitation and compensation. Cracks are now appearing in many of these houses.

In Ranchi’s Karakatta area, smoke and gas escape from over 15 locations, making the air unfit to breathe. In Ramgarh’s Bhuchungdih village, a fire in an illegal mine—where a fatal incident occurred last month—remains out of control despite ongoing firefighting efforts.

Meanwhile, Bokaro's Dhori Khas underground mine recently experienced a fire in its 4th and 5th seams, taking days to control.

Locals are calling for urgent action, relocation support, and sustainable solutions to manage the growing environmental and public health risks, especially during the rainy season.

With inputs from IANS