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Things were so beautiful and nice. But this Christmas, I would like to bring your attention to something more stark and real. Dhanbad and most specifically the area around De Nobili is one of the most polluted places on Earth.
Global warming and climate change is a reality; let us not pass the buck any more. All of us are aware the way the whole area has been systematically ‘looted’ by coal companies and mafias. After eroding the foundation of Jharia, the public limited coal company there, speaks about going ahead with open cast mining. The consequence is the evacuation of millions. The boss of the company proudly claimed in one of his interviews that evacuation of Jharia will be the largest peacetime evacuation in the history of the world!
What does this mean to De Nobili and Nobilians? I’m too afraid to even think about it.
Let me share with you some information on the quality of living in Dhanbad. When I say quality, I mean the health factor affecting each and every person the coal town.
• According to Central Pollution Control Board, Dhanbad tops the most polluted places both on the industrial and residential front.
• On the list of the ten locations having highest concentration of Sulphur Dioxide – Jharia is first with 76 µg/m3 SO2 level and is second to, just guess, Dhanbad with 66 µg/m3 SO2 level.
• Dhanbad and Jharia are also there on the list of the ten locations having highest concentration of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – 58 µg/m3 and 54 µg/m3 NO2 respectively.
• Dhanbad, Jharia and Sindri are three out of four towns in Jharkhand to feature on the list of Central Pollution Control Board as the most populated places to live.
The roads of Dhanbad, masallah, are not even worth mentioning. For those who live in the main city, life is bit easier. But for De Nobili, its teachers and students, it is a daily struggle. Travelling and breathing on the roads of Dhanbad and especially Jharia-Digwadih are some of the worse things that can happen to a Human being. Most of us who lived in Dhanbad from 70s onwards have developed respiratory problems. It really doesn’t matter whether you are a miner in Dhanbad or a Doctor or an Engineer – you breathe the same air.
De Nobili School has being doing its role making the citizens of Dhanbad aware about the environment. Its eco club – Tarumitra has been working on this issue for some years now. Jesuits have always been active in social issues. I propose that alumni around the world do their bit to help the cause. There is my proposal.
• Let us create a De Nobili.edu.in Environment Fund with a small corpus of Rs 30,000
• This money will be used over a time period of one year on creating awareness and various other environment related issues by the eco club of DNS under the guidance of Fr Principal
• It would be appreciated if we get a corporate sponsor on this issue
Please let me know what you think about this proposal. Many of us are doing well in our respective field; it would not be difficult to donate a small amount towards an issue that has affected all of us. We have always been indebted to De Nobili and Dhanbad for whom we are today. Remember, we may not love to go back to the place becuase of its dirty roads or polluted air but the fact remains – it was Dhanbad that helped us survive. We survived on Dhanbad's rich resources and it is time you think about the place again.
Sincere regards
Kunal Majumder
Consulting Editor