However, fires in the coal fields have made the city heavily polluted, with several government studies recommending relocation of much of the population to nearby Belgaria.

[4] Subsequently, Jharia plays a very important role in the economy and development of the metropolitan area around Dhanbad City.

[7] The region shown in the map is a part of the undulating uplands bustling with coalmines in the lowest rung of the Chota Nagpur Plateau.

The entire area shown in the map is under Dhanbad Municipal Corporation, except Belgaria which is under Baliapur (community development block).

According to the state government this is the worst site of India, the town of Jharia is to be shifted due to the uncontrollable coal mine fires (see below), which have found to be undousable, leading to loss of property and lives.

After the mines were nationalized in 1971, due to easy availability of coal, many steel plants were set up in close proximity to Jharia.

[19][20][18][21][22][23] The fire never stopped despite sincere efforts by mines department and railway authorities and in 1933 flaming crevasses lead to exodus of many residents.

[27] Heavy fumes emitted by the fires[28] lead to severe health problems such as breathing disorders and skin diseases among the local population.

[33] The emitted ammonia reacts rapidly with other air pollutants, and thereby helps to form fine particulate matter that shortens the human lifespan through respiratory and coronary diseases.

Moreover, the gaseous ammonia and ammonium compounds formed from it in the atmosphere, are deposited into ecosystems, throughout the Himalayas, damaging sensitive habitats — especially those naturally adapted to need clean air.