UCIL chief rejects link between uranium mining, health ailments in Jharkhand
The chairman of the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) has denied claims that uranium mining in Jharkhand is responsible for local health issues. He attributed these ailments to regional poverty and local conditions rather than radiation exposure.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between industrial development, environmental safety, and public health concerns in mining regions.
UCIL chief Kacham Anand Rao has dismissed allegations that radiation from uranium mines and mills in Jharkhand’s Singhbhum region is causing health problems such as skin diseases, cancer and congenital deformities, saying such ailments are largely linked to "backwardness" and local conditions.
The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) chairman-cum-managing director said the uranium ore mined in the state is of very low grade, with only 200-300 grams of uranium extracted per tonne of ore, and claimed it has little health impact.
"Whatever skin disease or cancer is being attributed to some people is not due to uranium mines. They are due to local conditions and backwardness of the area. At least 10 scientific studies have been conducted by different organisations, which have proved that there is no link between uranium operations and the diseases found in the area," Mr. Rao said during an interaction at Jadugora.
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