OBSERVATION ON OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES AMONG COAL MINERS AROUND DAMODAR RIVER BASIN IN JHARKHAND

Rapid Industrial growth of Damodar basin having rich deposition of coal and minerals has undoubtedly contributed to the prosperity of the region. However mining activities such as drilling, blasting, excavation by heavy moving machines like shovels, drills and holpakes have created severe pollution in air, water and soil. Large quantity of suspended particulate matter (SPM), fly ashes and other gaseous pollutants are present in air. Water pollution due to coal mining has resulted in the problem of acid mine drainage (AMD) and water from the Coal washery contains higher concentration of inorganic pollutants which are known to be discharged in Damodar river without recycling. All these reveal alarming situation. The study shows increased cases of water & airborne diseases during last 6 years. (2000-2006) which has been revealed during survey and Hospital Records. Data from pathological laboratories show that as many as 60% and 40% of the coal miners are suffering from air and water borne diseases respectively. Further, findings are also supported by the presence of high MPN of bacteria, TDS, cyanide, phenols in water as well as SPM in the ambient air. These appear as probable reasons for increased cases of gastro-intestinal, respiratory disorders and skin infections.