Not
enough water
Though crores and crores of rupees are being spent every year for
buiding dams and canals, more than 60 per cent of our farms are fed only by rain. If the
monsoons are meagre or even a little late, the farmers are in complete despair. They
invest hard earned money to buy seeds, to till the fields...and if crops dry up, they face
ruin.
The local people told me there is a coalmine nearby. I went to
have a look.
Coal miner It’s a job full of hazards. Unstable ground and roof, poisoned air,
explosions and cramped working conditions. In case of surface mines, the surrounding area
is covered with a coating of black dust, which kills vegetation and farmers have to
abandon their fields.
Risks faced by miners: Disease: Exposure to coal dust causes pneumoconiosis - a lung disease. Explosion:
Methane gas, often found in mines is highly inflammable. A small spark may lead to an
explosion. Flooding: is a constant risk for mines below the groundwater table. Safetyrequirements: Almost nil. Boots and helmets are non-existent. No drinking water. Dust sprays to settle the dust after
blasting are not used.
As I left I saw a number of people gathered outside the village. I think
they were nomads. I didn’t have time to stop. Maybe you can find out and write back
to me? Who are they? Why were they there? You could also right to me about any
solutions to the problems faced by the villagers.
The local people told me there is a coalmine nearby. I went to
have a look.
Boots and helmets are non-existent.
