Dhanbad, Jharkhand, is grappling with a public health scare following reports of poisonous gas emissions from underground coal mines, prompting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to step in for a detailed assessment. The team reached Dhanbad on Sunday, accompanied by district administration officials, Kenduadih police personnel, and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawans, to evaluate the situation and recommend measures for containment and mitigation. The assessment comes in the wake of fatalities and hospitalisations linked to carbon monoxide emissions, sparking protests and anxiety among local residents.

The NDRF’s assessment team focused its work in the Rajput Basti area of Putki Balihari colliery, part of Bharat Coking Coal Limited’s (BCCL) operational domain. This site falls under the jurisdiction of the Kenduadih police stationand is located approximately 15 kilometers from Dhanbad’s district headquarters. Rajput Basti, along with nearby locations such as Muslim Muhalla and the vicinity of the Kenduadih police station building, has been reported as the epicenter of toxic gas emissions. These emissions, primarily of carbon monoxide, were first detected on Wednesday, causing the death of two women and the hospitalisation of more than two dozen residents, mostly women and children, at the Kustore Regional Hospital of BCCL and the Central Hospital, Dhanbad.

According to officials, the NDRF is examining the level and type of gas being emitted from underground mine shafts and abandoned areas, including the GM Bangla in the PB Area of Rajput Basti. The primary objective of the assessment is to understand the source of the emissions, the spread of the toxic gas, and potential strategies for mitigation. Kenduadih police station officer-in-charge Prabodh Pandey stated, “The team is assessing the level of gas leakage, the type of gas being emitted, and how to mitigate it.” However, NDRF personnel refrained from sharing specific details with waiting journalists, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing assessment.

Despite the presence of the disaster management team, local residents expressed concern and staged protests, attempting to obstruct the NDRF’s operations. Many residents, including Lal Bahadur Singh, alleged that BCCL could be using the gas leak as a pretext to evict locals for a large-scale coal mining project. The protests highlighted the tension between public safety measures and community concerns over displacement and land acquisition. To address the immediate concerns of residents, the district administration organized transportation for locals to Belagadia Township, a relocation site developed by the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority. Residents were shown quarters proposed for their future resettlement, which are part of a broader plan to relocate communities residing in underground mine fire zones.

Experts monitoring the situation have highlighted the severity of the emissions. On Saturday, carbon monoxide levels were recorded at 1,500 parts per million (ppm)—approximately 30 times the permissible limit of 50 ppm. Such elevated levels of carbon monoxide can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, and even death if exposure is prolonged. While no fresh cases of gas-affected residents were reported until Sunday evening, locals noted that they could still detect a faint smell of the toxic gas, indicating that the situation, though partially contained, has not been fully neutralized.

Carbon monoxide, being a colorless and odorless gas, is particularly hazardous in confined environments, such as underground coal mines. The recent events have drawn attention to the risks faced by communities living in proximity to abandoned or active mine shafts. Authorities are emphasizing the urgent need for monitoring and mitigation measures to prevent further fatalities or health emergencies. The NDRF’s presence, coupled with district administration oversight, is aimed at providing an expert evaluation of the hazards, establishing safety protocols, and advising on evacuation or containment strategies as necessary.

The Jharia coalfield region, which includes the PB Area and Putki Balihari colliery, has a long history of underground fires and gas emissions. Over the years, several initiatives have been launched to relocate affected residents to safer locations, but challenges persist due to the scale of habitation and the continued presence of abandoned mine fire zones. The ongoing assessment in Rajput Basti is therefore crucial, not only for addressing the immediate threat but also for reinforcing long-term strategies for community safety and mine management.

Officials have stated that the NDRF team will conduct a thorough survey, including air quality measurement, mapping of emission points, and evaluation of subsurface mine stability. These findings will inform mitigation efforts, which could include temporary evacuations, sealing of abandoned mine shafts, and installation of ventilation systems to reduce gas accumulation. Additionally, coordination with health services is expected to ensure that affected residents receive medical attention promptly in case of exposure.

Local residents’ apprehensions underscore the need for transparent communication and community engagement in disaster management initiatives. While the administration has tried to balance safety measures with residents’ relocation concerns, distrust remains high, with some fearing that the coal company may leverage safety warnings to justify displacements or new industrial projects. The protests on Sunday reflected these tensions, with residents actively engaging in demonstrations despite the ongoing technical assessment.

The situation in Dhanbad has broader implications for the management of industrial hazards in coal-mining regions across India. Carbon monoxide and other toxic gas emissions are a known hazard in mining areas, especially those with abandoned or poorly ventilated shafts. The incident highlights the importance of regular monitoring, emergency response readiness, and community awareness programs. Experts emphasize that the integration of technical assessment teams like the NDRF with local authorities, coupled with timely information dissemination, is vital in preventing fatalities and minimizing exposure to toxic gases.

As of Sunday evening, the situation in Rajput Basti, Muslim Muhalla, and Kenduadih remained under close supervision. While emergency hospitalisations had not increased, officials cautioned that residents should remain vigilant and follow safety advisories, including temporary relocation if required. The administration also reiterated that continuous monitoring and timely interventions would be essential until gas emissions are fully neutralized.

In conclusion, the poisonous gas leak in Dhanbad represents a serious environmental and public health challenge. The involvement of the NDRF, district authorities, and industrial security forces is a step toward addressing the crisis systematically. However, the situation also highlights the delicate balance between industrial operations, public safety, and community rights in mining regions. With expert assessment ongoing, authorities hope to implement targeted mitigation strategies that ensure the safety of residents while addressing concerns about displacement and long-term resettlement.

The coming days will be critical in determining whether gas levels can be brought under control and whether the affected communities can be safeguarded without disruption to their lives. The Dhanbad gas leak serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks in mining-heavy regions and the urgent need for preparedness, oversight, and effective community engagement to prevent further tragedies.