Jadugoda: The Nuclear Graveyard

SEC-1 GROUP-2
ABHISHEK KULSHRESHTA – 23F003
ABHISHEK KUMAR- 23F004
ARPIT SONI- 23F014
APOORVA CHATURVEDI- 23F013
RADHIKA NAIK- 23F045
SAURAV KUMAR- 23F055

This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND.

  Jaduguda is home to the world's best uranium ore,
magnesium diuranate, the fuel for India's nuclear
dream and Jaduguda's misery.
 The Jaduguda Uranium Mine is located in Jaduguda
village, Purbi Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, India.
 Uranium reserves were discovered in the Jaduguda
mine in 1951.
Introduction  It was India's first uranium mine, and it began
operations in 1967.
 The Jaadugoda nuclear issue in Jharkhand has
gotten a lot of attention because of the
environmental consequences and the negative
effects on local lives.
 Problems
RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION: URANIUM
MINING AND PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN
JAADUGODA HAVE RESULTED IN
RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION OF
THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT.
THE RELEASE OF RADIOACTIVE ELEMENTS INTO
THE AIR, WATER, AND SOIL, POSES RISKS TO
BOTH HUMAN HEALTH AND ECOSYSTEMS.

WATER POLLUTION: THE MINING AND MILLING

PROCESSES GENERATE TOXIC WASTE,
INCLUDING URANIUM TAILINGS, WHICH
CONTAIN RADIOACTIVE ELEMENTS AND
HEAVY METALS.

SOIL DEGRADATION: THE MINING OPERATIONS

DISTURB THE SOIL STRUCTURE, LEADING TO
EROSION, LOSS OF FERTILITY,
AND DEGRADATION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND.
 The social-ecological system of Jaduguda can be understood by
examining the interactions between the local community, the
Socio-Ecological environment, and the various institutions involved in uranium mining and
its effects.
System  Natural Environment: The ecological component includes the local
land, water bodies, flora, and fauna in and around Jaduguda.
 Uranium Mining and Processing Industry: The mining and processing
of uranium have been a major economic activity in Jaduguda.
 Local Community: The village of Jaduguda is home to a community of
people who live in close proximity to the mining activities.
 Regulatory and Governance Institutions: The management and
regulation of uranium mining fall under the jurisdiction of various
governmental and non-governmental institutions.
 Economic Factors: Uranium mining can provide economic benefits to
the region, offering job opportunities and revenue for the
government.
 Cultural and Social Practices: The local community in Jaduguda likely
has cultural and social practices that are deeply tied to their
environment and way of life.
 Displacement and Land Acquisition:
 The expansion of nuclear operations has resulted in the
displacement of indigenous communities and the acquisition of
their land.
 68 families living there displaced and still waiting for
rehabilitation and jobs promised by government
Compensation:
 UCIL also promised for Rs 45000 for each family in agreement
Social Impact between villagers and UCIL on May 5, 1997.
 As per the compensation, UCIL promised each family for land of
12 decimil which does not even cover their land where they had
their houses, let alone the farms that these people had.
Health Issues:
 The release of radioactive elements into the environment has
exposed the local population to potential health hazards,
including radiation-related illnesses.
 Studies have indicated a high rate of cancer and other health
issues among communities residing near the mining area
Economical Impact
Livestock rearing is also impacted due to
limited access to clean water and grazing
lands.
Crops grown in the vicinity of Jaadugoda
are at risk of contamination, posing health
hazards and reducing market value.
Fishing was a major source of income for
the locals and tribals. But due to mixing of
effluents from mills into nearby
Subarnrekha river, the river has lost its
aquatic life.
Political Impact

 Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Lack of transparency in the decision-

making process and inadequate accountability mechanisms can erode public trust in
political institutions
 Conflicts with Indigenous Rights: In areas where indigenous communities have
traditional land rights, uranium mining can infringe upon these rights and lead to
conflicts between the government, mining companies, and indigenous groups.
 Loss of Political Legitimacy: The negative impacts of uranium mining erode the
legitimacy of political leaders who are seen as prioritizing economic interests over the
well-being of their constituents.
 Feedback loops
Increased
Uranium
Water
Mining
Pollution

More cases of
Increased Economic Obtain Uranium
diseases like
mining growth as a Fuel
cancer

Politcians and
More jobs and Generate
minors creating Increased
Employment Energy Through
lobbies- poverty
Opportunities Uranium
promising jobs

Inc. Anti
More political
sentiments Give thrust to Fulfilling
promises to
towards mining Indian Energy Demand
improve the
and Industries In Country
situation
development
 Environmental Regulation and
Monitoring:
Strengthen and enforce stringent environmental
regulations specific to uranium mining operations,
covering waste disposal, water management, and
radiation control.
Regularly share monitoring data with the public to
foster transparency and accountability.
Solution
Community Engagement and
Empowerment:
Involve local communities and indigenous groups
in decision-making processes related to mining
activities that may impact their lands and
livelihoods.
Establishing New Livelihood
Opportunities:
Invest in alternative livelihood opportunities and
economic diversification for the local community
to reduce dependence on uranium mining.
Provide training and resources to enable
community members to participate in new
economic ventures.
 Healthcare and Rehabilitation
Programs:
Establish comprehensive
healthcare programs that provide
regular health check-ups, early
detection, and treatment for
illnesses potentially linked to
uranium mining.
Investment in Research and
Innovation:
Allocate resources to research Support the development of
Develop public health campaigns
initiatives focused on sustainable cleaner and more efficient energy
to raise awareness about the risks
mining practices, safer waste sources to reduce reliance on
of uranium exposure and promote
management, and environmental nuclear power and uranium
preventive measures.
remediation techniques. mining.
Assumptions

The local people will actively engage and

Local Community Cooperation: collaborate in our initiatives.

The government will take steps to adopt and

Government Partnership: execute our proposed solutions.

Our provided solutions are rooted in practicality

Feasibility of Solutions: and can be realistically applied.

Mitigation

Establish awareness campaigns to educate and

Raising Awareness: involve the local population.

Create advocacy groups to garner political

Formation of Pressure Groups: attention and support.

Thoroughly comprehend the issue, allowing for

In-depth Problem Understanding: well-considered and rational solutions.
Thank you