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.

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.

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.