The district administration has begun moving families out of the Kenduadih area after a toxic gas leak caused two deaths and left more than 30 people seriously ill. Teams from the administration, BCCL, DGMS and CSIR CIMFR are stationed in the affected localities, which have been marked unsafe due to underground mine fires and gas emissions.
Officials met residents on Saturday and briefed them on the relocation process. Following requests from the community, JRDA arranged buses to take groups to Pajagur, Belgaria Township and Karmatand so that families could inspect the available housing, water supply, electricity and other basic facilities. Authorities said these visits were organised to help residents make informed decisions about shifting.
Scientific teams from IIT ISM, CIMFR and DGMS have detected high levels of carbon monoxide in several homes. Experts said the gas leakage is linked to long-burning underground fires in abandoned mines and cannot be permanently stopped at the site. They stated that relocation is the only stable solution for people living in fire-affected and subsidence-prone zones.
A survey on December 5 found carbon monoxide levels above 2.5 ppm in several structures, which prompted the administration to speed up evacuation. Medical teams are conducting door-to-door checks, and hospitals in Dhanbad have increased the number of oxygen-supported beds. Multiple ambulances are on standby.
The gas leak has already taken two lives. Priyanka Devi, aged 32, died on January 3, and Lalita Devi, aged 55, passed away the following day. Around 30 to 35 residents are admitted in SNMMCH and private hospitals. Several are on oxygen support.
BCCL has suspended PB Area General Manager G C Saha for alleged lapses in handling the situation. Headquarters official J K Mehta has been given charge of the area. BCCL CMD Manoj Kumar Agarwal and senior district officials have been visiting the region to oversee rescue, medical and technical measures.
Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan said the locality had been identified as a danger zone earlier and should have been relocated last year, but the process was delayed. A review meeting found gaps in coordination between departments, and a probe committee has been set up.
BCCL stated that its rescue, medical and technical teams are working round the clock and that continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide levels is underway. A special task force has also been formed to provide health care and counselling to affected families.
DGMS and CIMFR have identified 81 hazardous sites in the coal belt where underground fires and toxic gases remain a threat.
Kenduadih is among the most sensitive locations. Scientists warn that the risk will persist until residents living in these danger zones are fully rehabilitated.
The administration said the relocation process will begin shortly. Temporary arrangements for tents, food, water and medical support have been made as residents wait to be shifted to safer areas.