NHRC notices to Centre and Government of Jharkhand over reported apathy towards checking the radioactive and toxic waste leaking from a mine in Jaduguda (16.12.2015)

PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, 16th December, 2015

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report from a study that amidst the Government apathy, radioactive and toxic waste has been leaking from India's oldest and most important Uranium mine at Jaduguda, East Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, affecting people, livestock, rivers, forests and agricultural produce in the area.

The media report has quoted the study by a US based news organisation that adequate measures have not been taken to prevent toxic leaks from the site by India's nuclear establishment, which has systematically overlooked evidence that points to a radiation hazard.

Mr. Justice D. Murugesan, Member, NHRC has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of rights to health of the workers and local residents, besides damage to the environment, flora and fauna.

Accordingly, notices have been issued to the Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, Chairman, Uranium Corporation of India and Chief Secretary, Government of Jharkhand calling for reports within two weeks.

Reportedly, State owned Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) was extracting around one thousand tons of Uranium ore per day since 1967, which accounted for 20 per cent of the raw material; for India's nuclear power generation. The mine was however, closed since September, 2014.

According to the media report, the study, written by a journalist, relies on accounts of locals and activists, studies which had come out since 1990s and claims filed in the courts to say that mining has exposed workers and villagers to radiation, heavy metals and other carcinogens, including arsenic. Toxins were leaching into underground aquifers and the Subarnarekha River could be contaminating the food chain from fish to vegetables.

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