In odisha a proverb is very common in localsthat " Deepa tala Andhara " .The actual meaning of the phrase is: darkness surrounds the base of the light source. The very source that brings prosperity, awakening, and a path to follow often ends up shrouded in darkness—filled with sorrowful stories of struggle and hardship.Here, we present the story of Jadugoda, the first village in India to supply uranium—an essential element in making India a clean, self-sufficient, and energy-efficient nation.
On May 18, 1974, India became the sixth country to conduct a nuclear test. “The Buddha has smiled,” said Dr. Raja Ramanna, the director of India’s nuclear program, as he informed then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of the successful test. With this, India joined an elite group of nuclear-capable nations.To conduct such a nuclear test, a continuous supply of energy is required, and that energy void was filled by uranium. When uranium atoms disintegrate or decay, they release a massive amount of energy. The project was named "Smiling Buddha", a clear and transparent message to the world that India's nuclear activities were intended solely for peaceful purposes and national development.
The news spread rapidly across India, filling the nation with pride and excitement. However, one place—Jadugoda—was about to face the hidden consequences of that achievement. As the primary source of uranium, Jadugoda, which supplied the very foundation of India’s developmental ambitions, soon became a land overshadowed by hazards, health crises, and environmental struggles caused by reckless mining practices.
Story of uranium exploration:
Back in time, Jadugoda had a mysterious banyan tree that emitted a faint, glowing light and stood at an important location in the village. Villagers believed that this unusual phenomenon was the result of paranormal activity. According to local folklore, any pregnant woman who passed by the tree would be cursed by the spirit residing in it. As a result, many experienced miscarriages or gave birth to children with severe disabilities and dysfunctions.
These eerie stories spread to neighboring areas and eventually caught the attention of the government. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the area around the tree was highly rich in uranium.
Following this revelation, Jadugoda, located in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, about 35 km from Jamshedpur, became the first site for uranium mining in India.
The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a public sector undertaking under the Department of Atomic Energy, was established for uranium mining and processing. Founded in 1967, the corporation took charge of mining and milling uranium ore, with its headquarters set up in Jadugoda itself.
Problems of Jadugoda:
Jadugoda is a beautiful land, blessed with natural scenery—lush forests and picturesque river landscapes. It has been home to the tribal communities of Jharkhand for generations.
However, after the establishment of UCIL (Uranium Corporation of India Limited), many forest areas were cleared for factory construction and mining operations. Uranium mining in this region takes place deep underground, often over 100 meters and sometimes even beyond 500 meters below the earth's surface. While deep mining may reduce direct exposure to radioactive substances, the major concern lies in the solid radioactive waste, which is left over after uranium is processed. This waste is dumped into open fields known as tailing ponds, which pose serious environmental and health hazards.
Over time, this radioactive waste contaminates nearby water sources used by both humans and animals. Additionally, the transportation of uranium—often carried out in uncovered and unprotected vehicles without proper safety protocols—leads to the release of radioactive particles into the air. As a result, the air, soil, and water around Jadugoda have become heavily contaminated.
This radioactive exposure has led to widespread health issues among the local population, including skin diseases, gastric problems, respiratory ailments, and most notably, pregnancy-related complications. Many women have reported repeated miscarriages, and a significant number of children are born with birth defects, brain damage, and other organ malfunctions.
The village has been severely affected by these issues. However, instead of taking responsibility, the company often blames the locals, citing poor hygiene practices and unhealthy food habits as the cause of their suffering.
Although a hospital has been set up to provide healthcare facilities, it lacks even basic medical infrastructure. As a result, most patients are referred to other hospitals outside the region.
Uranium poisoning in brief
Uranium mining can have significant environmental impacts, including dust, radon gas, and water contamination.
Occupational exposure to radiation, especially in underground mining, can pose health risks to miners.
Proper dust suppression and ventilation are crucial for worker safety and environmental protection.
Conclusion:
India has become a nuclear superpower, but it has betrayed the very source that made it possible. Those of us who live far from nuclear exposure can never truly understand the struggles faced by the people who are its victims. The government should be aware of these issues and ensure that such situations are not repeated in the future. It must also work actively on preventive measures.
We are deeply grateful to KK Create and Kavya Karnatac for bringing attention to this issue through their video.
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