Surda Panchayat, once known for its copper mines, is now battling neglect, poor infrastructure, and rising unemployment. Villagers say that even after the mine reopened, there are not enough jobs to support local youth, forcing families into daily-wage labour and migration.
Also Read: Hindustan Copper and Jharkhand Government Signed 20-Year Lease for Rakha Copper Mine
Villagers Facing Skin Related Diseases
Residents complain that hand pumps are discharging iron and arsenic contaminated water, and several solar water towers are lying defunct. This has led to an increase in stomach and skin-related diseases. The lone primary health center operates without a doctor and suffers from a shortage of medicines. Serious patients are referred to Kendadih or Ghatsila, and ambulance services remain inadequate.
Also Read: Copper Demand May Hit 3.24 MT by FY30, Report Warned on Policy Impediment
Roads, Education, and Power in Disarray
Most roads are note cemented and turn into mud tracks during rains, making it hard for school children, patients, and pregnant women to travel. Primary and middle schools face an acute shortage of teachers, often leaving one teacher to handle hundreds of children. School buildings are in a dilapidated state, and toilet and drinking water facilities are not properly exist. Electricity supply is irregular, with frequent transformer failures and long outages, badly affecting farming.
Also Read: Copper Deposits Found in Hazaribagh and Koderma, Auction Process to Begin Soon
Villagers Plea for Action
Villagers lament that even after 75 years of independence, they are deprived of basic facilities like water, roads, education, and health. They said Government schemes are limited to files and demanded urgent action, warning that the next generation would also be condemned to live in darkness if concrete steps are not taken
Also Read: Rakha Copper Mines Received Environmental Clearance to Resume Operations
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