Residents near one of India's largest uranium mines suspect contamination affecting their fields and health
Residents near one of India’s largest uranium mines suspect contamination is affecting their fields and health, reports Meena Menon in Mongabay.
In a nutshell:
The Uranium Corporation of India Limited commissioned the mine in 2012, promising jobs and economic benefits. However, surrounding villages have reported changes in agriculture, health issues, and reproductive problems, which locals attribute to contamination from the tailings pond. Despite multiple investigations clearing UCIL, the community remains dissatisfied, alleging inadequate measures to address groundwater pollution and demanding more responsible operations.
Key quote:
Retired scientist K. Babu Rao said, “These are public sector companies which are denying science and not functioning honestly and are hurting people. The basic issue is that the tailings pond was not lined properly, and therefore, the groundwater is polluted. We are not against UCIL, but they have to function responsibly.”
The big picture:
Tailing ponds containing waste materials from mining and processing can lead to the contamination of local water sources, causing a range of health issues. Residents in affected areas have reported ailments such as reproductive problems, skin disorders, and respiratory illnesses. The release of harmful substances into the environment from these ponds can potentially result in long-term health risks for residents living in proximity to uranium mining operations.
Read the article at Mongabay.
Here in the U.S., abandoned uranium mines and leftover pollution plague Western US tribes, writes Brian Bienkowski.
