Black & Dead: Iron Ore Unit’s Coal Dust Blankets Cotton Farms In Neri Neri village in Kamptee taluka is facing a severe pollution crisis that threatens both human health and agricultural livelihoods. Coal dust emissions from a nearby iron ore processing unit have turned once-thriving cotton fields into barren stretches coated in black soot. The crisis has escalated to the point where villagers, frustrated by years of inaction from authorities, are preparing to stage protests demanding urgent intervention. The factory, which resumed operations in November 2025 after a decade-long shutdown since 2008, has caused widespread contamination across the village. Fine coal particles have blanketed rooftops, open spaces, and the village’s primary water tank, raising serious concerns about drinking water safety and long-term health risks. Farmers report devastating damage to their cotton crops, which were once referred to as “white gold.” The black dust has rendered the crops unsellable, with one farmer stating that the market value of their harvest dropped from Rs 7,000 per quintal to less than Rs 4,000. Villagers have also reported a sharp rise in respiratory ailments, particularly among children and the elderly. Sarpanch Sujata Patil, who has been pushing for action from authorities, described the situation as dire, noting that even simple activities like visiting the village’s Hanuman temple—once a hub for religious gatherings—now leave visitors with shoes coated in dust. The temple’s verandah, where families used to gather for meals, is now avoided due to the pervasive contamination. The gram panchayat has repeatedly submitted complaints and memorandums to authorities, but these have gone unanswered.#kumar_ashirwad #neri_village #kamptee_taluka #iron_ore_unit #sujata_patil
