The government of Jharkhand has declared financial aid to the families of the two women who lost their lives in the recent gas leakage accident in the Kenduadih-Rajput Basti locality of Dhanbad. The event of the tragedy that took place earlier this week has caused a huge consideration of safety failures in coal-belt settlements and has led to an emergency administrative intervention in the area.
Officials claimed that the victims, who were described as Lalita Devi and Priyanka, were discovered in a coma in their households, having inhaled poisonous fumes that were believed to have dripped down underground coal seams. Although both women were rushed to a nearby hospital, the two were declared dead. There were also several other residents who had the symptoms of headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulties with breathing, and a number of them needed medical attention.
The state government also promised compensation worth 4 lakh dollars to the families of those who died after the incident. State Disaster Management Minister Irfan Ansari affirmed that the government has been instructed to offer emergency relief and ensure that the families affected by the disaster get support as soon as possible. He also included that a detailed report on the causes and circumstances of the gas leak has been requested by the district authorities.
In the meantime, dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide were observed in the place, which led the administration to begin the evacuation of citizens. Over 400 individuals have already been relocated to safer areas, and plans are being made to relocate thousands of individuals who live in high-risk areas. The government of BCCL, Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), and scientists of CSIR-CIMFR and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad are collaborating to evaluate the condition and close any active source of leakage.
The population, however, has expressed concern regarding the long-term safety of the facility as they argue that the issue of the underground mine fires and gas emissions has been there over the years and yet no definite action has been taken to address the issue. Political leaders and local organizations have also been insisting on a higher compensation value as they believe that 4 lakh is not enough, given the current risks involved and loss of life.
The district administration has set up an inquiry committee to establish the true cause of the leak and any lapse by the concerned agencies. Authorities have also recognized that the only solution that can be sustainable for communities residing above the derailed coal mines is permanent relocation.
Since the event is being investigated, the incident has again brought to light the risks involved in living close to the former mining areas. The reaction of the government (immediate assistance as well as the possibility of the future plan) will be significant in rebuilding the trust of the residents and avoiding such tragedies in the future.
