the threat of arsenic pollution looms large over the north Karanpura coal fields of south Bihar, in the coal samples of Bachara and Piparwar. A recent study conducted by Nitish Priyadarshi, a research scholar from the Ranchi University, has revealed high levels of arsenic, nickel, chromium, strontium, lead, cadmium and barium in the coal samples. The study says, the toxic elements are already polluting the Damodar and Safi rivers. The study urged the Coal India Limited and the state pollution control board to ensure that mine wastes were kept away from the rivers and other drainage systems failing which skin cancer, abdominal and respiratory problems may affect coalminers and locals.