NDRF assesses Dhanbad gas leak amid protests; 2 dead, high CO levels

• NDRF team from Ranchi arrived in Dhanbad to assess poisonous gas emissions from underground coal mines.
• The assessment is taking place in Rajput Basti, Putki Balihari colliery area, amidst protests by local residents.
• Toxic carbon-monoxide gas emissions, first reported Wednesday, led to two deaths and over two dozen hospitalizations.
• Carbon monoxide levels were recorded at 1,500 ppm, 30 times the permissible limit of 50 ppm.
• Residents protested, alleging BCCL uses the gas leak for eviction for a mega coal project; they were shown relocation quarters.

Why It Matters: Poisonous gas leak endangers lives, prompting NDRF assessment and resident relocation.