Shadab Alam, Imamul Hai Khan Law College, Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand, India
Gourav Kumar Srivastava, Imamul Hai Khan Law College, Bokaro Steel City, Jharkhand, India
ABSTRACT
The Jharia coalfield in India is in the throes of a severe environmental and humanitarian crisis owing to relentless underground coal fires. These fires exert a profound impact on the local ecosystem and the well-being of the populace.
Within the realm of legal and human rights, this research confronts the alarming reality of substantial breaches in environmental laws and the grave infringement upon the inherent human rights of the Jharia populace. It staunchly underscores the fundamental right to a healthy, unpolluted environment, adequate housing, secure livelihoods, and access to quality healthcare as indispensable and non- negotiable entitlements. The study advocates for the restoration and safeguarding of these rights, essential for the well-being and dignity of every individual within the affected community in Jharia.
This comprehensive analysis ardently advocates for immediate action, emphasizing the imperative need for cohesive and collaborative interdisciplinary efforts among government bodies, NGOs, local communities, and the private sector. It stresses the urgency of initiating sustainable solutions and concludes that safeguarding the rights and well-being of affected communities, while simultaneously conserving the environment, requires urgent attention. The paper firmly underscores the vital role of innovative strategies and a steadfast commitment to sustainable change in tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by the Jharia crisis. It implores concerted efforts towards preserving the environment and ensuring the rights and dignity of the impacted communities through collective and resolute action.
Keywords: Jharia, Coal fires, Health hazards, Environmental remediation, Human rights
Comments