Dhanpuri/Sohagpur. The reckless race for coal production at Amlai OCM mine in the Sohagpur area has turned into a nightmare for local residents. Under the pretext of removing overburden (OB), heavy and continuous blasting is being carried out daily, creating an atmosphere of fear across several wards of Dhanpuri town.
The impact is devastating—houses are developing deep cracks, walls and roofs are weakening, plaster is falling off, and intense vibrations are causing household items to collapse and shatter. What was once a peaceful residential area is now trembling under the pressure of unchecked mining activities.
Residents have leveled serious allegations against SECL management, Dhanpuri Municipal Council, and the contractor company RKT C, accusing them of blatantly violating safety norms and environmental regulations in pursuit of higher coal output. Public safety and environmental protection, they claim, have been completely ignored.
Salim Khan, a resident of Ward No. 16, expressed his anger, stating, “Continuous blasting has made our house unsafe. It could collapse anytime. Even glass utensils cannot survive the vibrations. We have complained multiple times, but no one is listening.”
Similarly, Rajendra from Ward No. 17 revealed that his recently constructed toilet and bathroom have already developed cracks due to severe blasting shocks. “We approached the General Manager’s office, but all we received were hollow assurances instead of action,” he said.
Mohammad Akbar Ali, another resident of Ward No. 17, raised a critical question: “Cracks in houses have now become routine. When we question the authorities, they shift responsibility, claiming it is leased land and the municipality is accountable. Where should the public go for justice?”
The crisis extends far beyond structural damage. Continuous blasting has severely impacted water resources in the region. Groundwater levels are rapidly declining, raising serious concerns of an acute water crisis in the coming summer. Despite this alarming situation, neither SECL nor the municipal authorities have taken any concrete steps.
Even more shocking is the large-scale environmental destruction. Thousands of green, mature, and ecologically vital trees—including Mahua, Neem, Peepal, Banyan, Harra, and Bahera—have been ruthlessly cut down to expand mining operations. According to locals, more than 30,000 trees have already been sacrificed.
In a controversial move, these native trees are being replaced with eucalyptus plantations—species known to deplete groundwater and disrupt ecological balance. Experts warn that such irresponsible practices accelerate air pollution, skin diseases, respiratory illnesses, and long-term environmental degradation. Many residents in Dhanpuri are already suffering from skin and breathing-related health issues.
The bigger question remains—at a time when the world is grappling with climate change and advocating environmental protection, what kind of “development” is being pursued in Dhanpuri? Is increased coal production being prioritized at the cost of human lives, homes, and the future of coming generations?
Public anger is now reaching a boiling point. Residents have warned that if immediate steps are not taken to regulate blasting, compensate for damaged homes, and ensure environmental safeguards, a large-scale protest movement will erupt.
For now, Dhanpuri lives in constant fear—where every blast shakes not just the ground, but the very sense of safety and survival, while those in power remain in deep silence.