Roll down to lightening track between Ranchi and Patratu and you would mark a notable difference. Since the State went into election mode, the daily coal transporters have been left with their bicycles with no assistance in the form of motorcyclists. The bikers who were readily available to pull the coal laden cycles earlier are busy in rallies.
The picturesque Pithoria valley for many is dotted with heart wrenching scenes of coal transporters pushing cycles loaded with as many 28 sacks of fossil fuel. Some solace for the countless has been in the form of the bikers who by charging Rs 40 to Rs 50 pull three-four cyclists tied like a chain and help them in crossing difficult sections of the hilly terrain towards Ranchi.
“We are not getting them for a week. Earlier over 50 such persons remained available and often there would be a rush among them to get as many cyclists as possible. One told me that they are getting free petrol and additional money to work as volunteers for the parties,” said Binod, who after repairing the broken bicycle of his companion Shambhu and spending a whole night at the place in the want to tools, was loading sacks to resume the 40 km odd journey starting from mines of Bhurkunda in Ramgarh.
His companion added that the bikers were of great help, especially in the hostile condition under scorching sun. “I heard that they have gone to attend motorcycle rally of a political party in Ranchi. When they are getting money easily and petrol as well why will they work here,” supplemented Shambhu virtually blaming the peak poll season.
Thousands of families in the area between Ranchi and Ramgarh depend entirely on illegal coal trade. It also provides earning to motorcyclists who are said to seek bikes as dowry aiming this. But the elections are like seasonal alternate for them but in the process deprived coal transports from significant companionship for the time being. Shankar Munda has job card for MGNREGA, health card, BPl card and voter identity card which all together fetch him nothing that can bring a better life than this.
“A sack is sold in Rs 70-75 which has 12-14 kg of coal. In a single trip maximum we load 28 sacks on a cycle. After involving entire family for two days starting from picking up coal in mines, transporting it and selling we earn about Rs 2,000. What can be done in this but what can we do otherwise,” Shankar puts a counter on what make them work so hard and putting their lives vulnerable to fatalities such as TB, asthma and cancer.
“Koyla se khun to jalta hai lekin kya karenIJ Kuch nahi karti hai sarkar. Congress se maan uub gaya hai,” said Shambhu who could not recall names of the candidates into fray for polls. Rolling of dark lives continues on a lightening track alone!