KOLKATA: Jharia is one of the largest coal mines in India. Once it was a dense forest populated by tribes, situated in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. Today mining has taken a severe toll with the people suffering from pollution related diseases. Noxious gases rise from underground coal fires, making the environment toxic. More than 60% of the workers in the region are sick. Dangerous coal dust is devastating human lives here. Workers in the mines gets little more than rs 200 a day with alcoholism rampant.
Young photographer Tanmoy Bhaduri visited Jharia recently for this Photo Essay: