Children - Terre des Hommes

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born either weak or with physical disabilities. The notoriety
of mining companies in Chattisgarh, especially the muscle
power of the Jindals is well known, so the people are unable to
get the authorities to take action on the water contamination
due to mining activities.
It was reported that in 1998, an adivasi woman, Satyabhama
went on a hunger strike to protest against the water
contimanation of Kelo river but she was allowed to die with no
action taken by the authorities who feared repercussions from
the companies. After more than a decade since this incident,
smoke from the plants like the chimneys of Raipur Alloys
and Monnet Ispat are causing dust allergies and respiratory
problems. The people in Kodkel village also reported that the
Bendra Nala contains a layer of toxic waste and is creating
health problems like diarrhoea, stomach disorders and fevers.
Mine accidents and damages to houses due to blasting
operations often occurs, according to local people. Women
complained that there were a few instances of sexual abuse
and hence they fear for the safety of adolescent girls.
The children’s population catered to by the PHC at Kodkel is
given in Table 2.12. The nurse shared information that there
is 5 per cent IMR on record, but stated that in reality this was
much higher.
Table 2.12: Age-wise distribution of people
at Kodkel Public Health Centre
Age group Male Female
0–5 years 181 182
6–14 years 149 172
14 and above 1,082 1,126
Total 1,412 1,480
Source: Sub-centre, PHC, Kodkel
Malnourished child at Mudagaon village
(Photo November 2009)
The Blackened Waters of Kelo River
On discussions with people, one of the most serious problems
expressed was the contamination of the Kelo river which is
the only source of water for the people. Raigarh district once
acclaimed to be the rice bowl of the state, has been degraded
due to over-industrialisation and diversion of the innumerable
rivers that flow through Chattisgarh, to serve the needs of
private industries. Kelo river was the source of irrigation
and drinking water to a large area in the state. However, the
Jindals and Monnet Ispat mining activities have contaminated
the river with mine tailings.
The people in all the villages covered under the study, universally
declared that the water of Kelo river cannot be used either for
drinking or even for bathing. In the last 3 years, the people
have observed how the Kelo river has almost turned black
with coal dumping. The people complained that the livestock
is also seriously affected due to the water contamination.
Besides the depletion of water due to borewells dug up by the
The health department personnel at the PHC admitted that
there are far more number of patients approaching the centre
now than before and this is because of the health problems
being created by mining. The women stated that they prefer
to have deliveries at home than at the PHC because of the
condition of the roads and poor transport. Earlier there were
incidents when women delivered on the way to the PHC
due to the strenuous journey on these roads. The nurse also
mentioned that three out of five women are suffering from
anaemia. The health staff reported that fungal infections
and hepatitis are on the rise mainly due to infections from
polluted water
Kelo river in Gare village, life source of an entire region polluted by coal dust
(Photo November 2009)