The documentary film Rat Trap directed by Rupesh Kumar Sahu in 2022 explores the lives of rat-hole coal miners (Santhals and Dalits) in the Indian state of Jharkhand who risk their lives to earn a living. This film aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities whose struggles often remain overlooked.
The documentary effectively employs qualitative research methods, presenting in-depth interviews with individuals (in the form of sharing their stories on camera) from marginalized communities, as well as trade unions and social activists. These personal narratives elucidate the meaning of Rat Trap, a powerful metaphor used to illustrate the broader societal forces that ensnare these miners. Just as a rat is lured by the bait of a trap, miners are tempted by the promise of meagre wages and the need to provide for their families, only to find themselves trapped in a system that ultimately exploits and devalues their lives.
Historically, Santhal (Scheduled Tribes) and Dalit (Scheduled Castes) communities relied on their own agricultural lands, forests and water sources, which were sufficient for their livelihoods. However, the coal mining industry has forced them to relocate from their ancestral lands. Despite receiving land compensation, the rate of compensation is often inadequate, and the leased mining areas are frequently left unused by the companies. This leaves the displaced people with no other source of income except coal mining, which is hazardous and poorly compensated.
Despite land compensation being provided to displaced individuals, the compensation rates were significantly lower than the actual market value of the lands. This discrepancy has further exacerbated the plight of the affected communities. Intriguingly, the lands acquired for coal mining purposes have not yet been utilized, leaving the displaced individuals in a precarious situation.
These affected individuals continue to rely on coal mining activities as their primary source of income due to the absence of alternative employment opportunities. Consequently, they undertake the hazardous task of extracting and selling coal, risking their lives daily for meagre earnings of approximately 200-300 rupees. The coal must be transported to distant markets, a journey fraught with dangers, including the risk of accidents.
Several individuals have experienced accidents during these trips, which have depleted their entire savings on medical expenses, further diminishing their capacity to support their families. This cycle of risk and economic vulnerability underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address the economic rehabilitation and safety of displaced communities. Ensuring fair compensation, providing alternative livelihoods, and implementing stringent safety measures are essential steps towards achieving sustainable and equitable development in mining regions.
The mining areas are characterized by a severe lack of basic amenities, including clean drinking water and adequate healthcare facilities. This deficiency significantly impacts the well-being of miners and their families, who are often compelled to travel long distances to access essential services. The absence of these fundamental necessities exacerbates the daily hardships faced by the mining communities, contributing to their overall socio-economic vulnerability.
These conditions underscore the urgent need for comprehensive development policies that prioritize the provision of basic amenities in mining regions. Ensuring access to clean drinking water and robust healthcare facilities is crucial for improving the quality of life and safeguarding the health of mining communities. Addressing these infrastructural deficits is essential for fostering sustainable development and mitigating the socio-economic challenges faced by miners and their families.
Social activists have raised concerns regarding the government’s approach to mining lease policies, emphasizing the need for measures similar to those implemented in various foreign countries. In these countries, it is mandatory for leaseholders to fully restore the leased pit area to its original state after the lease ends before they are allotted a new location. This practice, however, is not being followed in India, resulting in environmental degradation and a lack of accountability from mining companies.
Additionally, trade unions have expressed their grievances to the authorities, challenging the narrative that labels coal miners as “thieves” on their land. The paradox of individuals being considered thieves on land that inherently belongs to them underscores the social and economic injustices faced by these communities.
Mining industrialists, without fulfilling their full lease obligations or commencing any substantial work in the designated mining areas, have employed security personnel to guard these sites. Consequently, individuals found extracting coal from these mines are apprehended and subjected to legal penalties, including imprisonment. This practice raises significant ethical and legal questions about the rights of local communities and the responsibilities of industrial entities operating within these regions.
Overall, Rat Trap effectively shines a light on the exploitation of marginalized communities in the name of development, and the urgent need for greater protections and rights for coal miners in Jharkhand. The film has been well-received, screening at various festivals including the Kolkata People’s Film Festival, the Goa Electronic Film Festival and the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFE) 2022), contributing to the discourse on the hidden agenda behind the coal mining industry’s expansion and its devastating impact on the local population. To further strengthen the film’s narrative, incorporating perspectives from other stakeholders, such as mining company representatives, government officials, and organizations working to improve miners’ rights, could add depth and nuance to the sociological analysis.
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Sujan Bhakat is a research scholar at the Centre for Studies in Sociology of Education, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai. His research primarily focuses on tribal education and its methodology. He has published his work in international journals and contributed a chapter to a book and can be contacted at sujanbhakat1991@gmail.com.