‘How many deaths will it take?’: Residents seek rehabilitation after ‘toxic gas’ kills 2 women in Dhanbad basti

According to Dinanath Singh, a resident, the toxic gas had been escaping from what locals call “bhu-ashan kshetra” for nearly four days.

The deceased, Lalita Devi (58) and Priyanka Devi (44), reportedly fell unconscious while sleeping. Due to the cold, the women, who lived in separate houses, had kept their windows closed and residents claimed the gas seeped into their homes through “ground cracks”.
Both women died while being taken to hospital between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

Their homes are situated around 300-400 metres from the leak site. A few other residents, seven or eight in number, who fainted earlier in the week remain hospitalised.

SC Bose, another resident and protester, said the mine has been closed for about 15 years. “Everyone knows it is an underground fire area. Gas leakage happens here repeatedly, but no permanent action has ever been taken,” he added.

He further said, “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?”
Residents said senior officials, including district authorities and BCCL representatives, visited the area on Thursday and asked families to leave their homes immediately due to the toxic gas.

No FIR had been registered till Thursday evening, residents claimed.

Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner (DC), Aditya Ranjan, said that the situation in Kenduadih is now normal and the district administration has started filling the spot from where the toxic gas was escaping. “A medical team has been deployed for assistance and temporary arrangements are being made to accommodate the affected families,” he said.

He said a long-term plan is being worked out to shift residents from the area. “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.

Some protesters, including Bose, said the flats in Belgharia were unlivable.

When asked about compensation for the two women who died, the DC said it would be given as per BCCL’s policy.

He further said the residents were living illegally in a fire-affected mining zone, where gas leakage risks are common knowledge. “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,” said Ranjan.

The committee set up by the DC will probe the alleged lack of coordination among officials and possible negligence. It will also examine the sequence of events and identify the persons whose lapse led to the incident. Based on the inquiry report, strict action will be taken against those found responsible, officials said.