Residents of various settlements near Tata Steel’s plant have raised serious concerns over hazardous dust pollution affecting their health and environment. In a formal complaint submitted to the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB), local residents have alleged that Tata Steel has been continuously releasing stone dust pollution from its factory premises, particularly near New Kalimati Road, for the past year.
According to the complaint, the pollution originates from a large heap of stone dust located just five meters away from Singh Bagan’s residential areas. The dust disperses with the wind, severely affecting the health of thousands of people living in nearby settlements such as Idal Bunglow, Rispana Colony, Bangali Colony, Nehru Colony, Gurudwara Basti, Gadhabasa, and several others. The petitioners claim that Tata Steel’s activities, including the presence of numerous plants, stockpiles, and unloading points, are exacerbating the situation.
Residents allege that Tata Steel indiscriminately dumps new stone dust in the area, significantly worsening air quality. They emphasize that the dust contains harmful particulate matter, which poses severe health risks such as respiratory diseases, lung infections, and even long-term conditions like pneumoconiosis and silicosis.
In addition to the immediate health hazards, the petition highlights the environmental impact of the pollution. The dust reportedly settles on houses, trees, and roads, creating an unlivable atmosphere. The signatories of the complaint have urged the pollution control board to take urgent action to stop Tata Steel from releasing hazardous pollutants and ensure the well-being of the local population.
With thousands of lives at stake, the residents have appealed for immediate intervention, warning that continued inaction could lead to severe health crises in the affected areas. The complaint, signed by multiple residents, calls for an end to Tata Steel’s polluting practices and demands measures to safeguard the environment and public health.
Meanwhile, Tata Steel has denied all the charges. The officials said that the company adheres to the pollution norms and follows strict process keeping environment sustainability in place.