Protest against Jindal Company in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum over pollution and negligence

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur/Musabani, June 19: A Gram Sabha organized under the Majhi Pargana system in Murga Guttu village of Musabani Block, East Singhbhum, witnessed strong protests against alleged irregularities by the Jindal Company operating at Rakha Mines of Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL).

The meeting was attended by a large number of villagers, along with youth activists Amit Mahto and Malay Mahto, and Majhi Pargana official Bholanath Tudu. Despite heavy rain, villagers continued the gathering, voicing strong objections to the company’s functioning.

Youth leader Amit Mahto declared that fighting for villagers’ rights was his life’s mission, while residents accused the company of serious violations, including environmental pollution, negligence, and exploitation of local communities.

Villagers alleged that the company was releasing untreated acidic mine water into local drainage systems, contaminating water sources used for bathing, washing, livestock, and religious rituals. They claimed this violated mining regulations and posed a serious health hazard.

They also raised concerns over employment practices, alleging that local displaced families were being ignored while outsiders were hired through illegal payments. Poor maintenance of rehabilitation housing was also highlighted, with many quarters reportedly in dangerous condition. Residents further alleged selective repair of houses belonging to intermediaries while neglecting genuine displaced families.

Additional grievances included blockage of traditional drainage channels, supply of unsafe drinking water through tankers, poor road conditions, and the absence of promised CSR-based educational and medical facilities.

Amit Mahto stated that villagers had sacrificed their land for mining development but were now facing pollution, unsafe living conditions, and denial of rights. He warned that exploitation would no longer be tolerated.

Due to disruption caused by rain, villagers decided to organize a larger Maha-Gram Sabha soon under the leadership of Majhi Baba, ensuring participation of over 100 displaced families. The meeting will finalize the strategy for a strong movement against the company and a memorandum will be submitted to the administration, mining authorities, and company management, marking the beginning of an intensified agitation. (w/gsd)