RADIOACTIVE radiation from the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) mines in Jaduguda, Bihar, is causing large-scale health hazards to the tribal population living in the adjoining areas. This was stated in a report by the Environmental Committee of the Bihar Legislative Council (BLC). Due to the effects of radiation, people are suffering from diseases like cancer. The chairperson of the BLC, Jabir Hussein, has alleged that the management of UCIL has done nothing to minimise the suffering of the people. He said the committee has already rehabilitated 46 affected tribal families belonging to the mining areas of east Singhbhum. However, the UCIL management contradicted the report saying the uranium ore found in Jaduguda area had low metal content as compared to the world standards. Also, the radiation was confined to just few feet from the mining area.

According to the East Singhbhum district medical officer, excessive exposure to radiation from uranium might cause intestinal ulceration, diarrhoea and tissue fibrosis. Chronic exposure, he said, could also cause premature ageing, anaemia, hypertension and cataracts.