RECLAMATION AND REHABILITATION INCLUDING THE RIGHTS AND INTEREST OF THE MARGINALIZED GROUP

Uranium mining is the process of extraction of uranium ore from the ground. India consisting of substantively large number of nuclear power plants for the development of nuclear power the excess of which, is resulting the land left with radioactive toxic elements, increased erosion, landslides and pollution of soil and water causing various deleterious health problems and may sometimes cause death. Various uranium producing sites are Jaduguda, Bhatin, Nanupahar, Turamdih, Bagjata etc. According to the survey, radioactive wastes from the uranium mines has put about 50,000 people in Jharkhand’s Jaduguda at risk. Mostly people belonging to the tribal communities suffers the radiations coming from uranium mines which causes serious health problems. On scrutinizing more than 9,000 people consisting of approximately 2000 houses in near about 5 villages situated nearby the mines owned by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), researchers found cases of inborn deformities, sterility, spontaneous abortions and cancer were alarmingly high among the people mostly coming from the Ho, Santhal, Munda and Mahali tribes of Jharkhand. This has somehow resulted in the violation of their right to life and personal liberty including violation of other fundamental rights as well. It seems that the government is least bothered about the problems which the local community is facing as still no such steps have been taken in order to tackle with the major issues of uranium mining. The designated government authority (UCIL) is not even performing the duties assigned to them and is more indulged towards misleading the people by not informing them about the various negative impacts of such practice. The subsisting predicament in the mines is horrendous. As part of the life cycle, completed mine areas must undergo rehabilitation.