National

A Glimpse Into Jharkhand's Harsh Coal And Bauxite Mines

Rich in mineral resources, Jharkhand long been a focal point for mining activities, however, beneath the surface of economic gain lie stories of displacement and struggle. These photos, captured by Vikram Sharma for Outlook, offer an unfiltered look at the lives of those affected by the expansive coal and bauxite mines in the region. From the vast open pits to the resilient residents making ends meet, this gallery sheds light on the stark contrast between natural wealth and human hardship.

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Coal Mine at Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand_1
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook

Open Pit Coal Mine at Agariya in Mandu Block of Jharkhand's Ramgarh district.

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Coal Mine at Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand_2
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Open Pit Coal Mine at Agariya in Mandu Block of Jharkhand's Ramgarh district.

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Coal Mine at Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand_3
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Deprived of their farmland given over to the coal mines surrounding their villages, residents make a living by scavenging coal from the scrap heaps around their houses. Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh district, Jharkhand.

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Coal Mine at Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand_4
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Deprived of their farmland given over to the coal mines surrounding their villages, residents make a living by scavenging coal from the scrap heaps around their houses. Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh district, Jharkhand.

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Coal Mine at Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand_5
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Deprived of their farmland given over to the coal mines surrounding their villages, residents make a living by scavenging coal from the scrap heaps around their houses. Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh district, Jharkhand.

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Coal Mine at Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand_6
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Deprived of their farmland given over to the coal mines surrounding their villages, residents make a living by scavenging coal from the scrap heaps around their houses. Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh district, Jharkhand.

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Coal Mine at Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand_7
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Deprived of their farmland given over to the coal mines surrounding their villages, residents make a living by scavenging coal from the scrap heaps around their houses. Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh district, Jharkhand.

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Coal Mine at Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh, Jharkhand_8
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Deprived of their farmland given over to the coal mines surrounding their villages, residents make a living by scavenging coal from the scrap heaps around their houses. Agariya, Mandu Block, Ramgarh district, Jharkhand.

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Open Cast Coal Mine in Tapin Basti, Ramgarh, Jharkhand
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Lobin Logun stands at the edge of the open cast coal mine a few meters away from his house in Tapin Basti, Ramgarh, Jharkhand.

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Bauxite mine in Gumla, Jharkhand
Photo: Vikram Sharma/Outlook
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Bauxite mining in Gumla, Jharkhand.