A Photographic Journey Through One of India’s Largest Coal Mines

Jharia is one of the largest coal mines in India, where workers are suffering from various respiratory problems.

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

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. The city and its people were sacrificed at the altar of development. Noxious gases still rise from underground coal fires, releasing toxins into the environment.

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

More than 60 percent of the workers in the region are suffering from various health issues related to the devastating effects of coal dust inhalation. Most of them are suffering from alcoholism which, in turn, results in chronic liver disease. Workers in the mines get wages amounting to Rs 200-300 per day.

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Rohit Kumar, 26, has been working at BCCL mines since 2010. His father was also a worker in this mine. Kumar is currently suffering from Chronic Bronchitis. (Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Ramdhari Tiwari, a contract labour of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL). (Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Pintu Kumar began working in BCCL in 2015 after the demise of his father. He had to join this profession because there are seven members in his family, while he is the sole wage earner. (Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Shankar Shoren, 62, suffers from severe jaundice. The main reason behind his illness is malnutrition. He is highly addicted to liquor, which is a common addiction among most labourers. (Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri) 

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

Fulmati Devi, 66, lost her husband when she was 25 years old. She had to join the colliery as a worker to support her four children. She has worked for 40 years now at Dhansar Coal mine. (Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)

(Photo Courtesy: Tanmoy Bhaduri)