THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, June 12: The home and garden of former Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel Pushpalata Soy in Sundarnagar have endured over 13 years of relentless fly ash intrusion, turning her property into a virtual dumping ground for runoff from the nearby 106 Battalion parade ground. Despite numerous appeals to local RAF authorities, no effective measures have been taken to resolve the issue.
The Origin of the Crisis
Pushpalata Soy, who served as an Assistant Sub-Inspector (GD) in the RAF from 2008 to 2020, has been grappling with the problem since 2012. Her house borders the 106 Battalion parade ground, where fly ash was used to level and expand the area—replacing natural soil with industrial waste, leading to long-term consequences.
A Monsoon Nightmare
“Every monsoon, fly ash from the raised ground washes into my home and garden, turning everything into slush,” said Pushpalata. “Even our only source of drinking water—our well—has been filled with ash.” Initially unaware of the lasting impact, she now faces an escalating crisis each year.
A Dream Nursery Destroyed
In 2017, she began a small nursery to support herself after retirement. However, the recurring deluge of fly ash devastated the soil, stifling plant growth and resulting in severe financial losses. “It broke my heart to see my plants die. I tried everything—raising the boundary, redirecting the flow—but nothing worked. The ash just keeps coming.”
Ignored Pleas, Unanswered Appeals
Despite multiple complaints and visits from RAF officers, including video and photographic documentation of the damage, no permanent solution has been implemented. “They acknowledged the issue, but nothing ever changed,” she said.
New Damage Adds to the Burden
Her troubles worsened on 15 March 2025, when a tree branch from inside the battalion compound fell onto her nursery’s shade structure, causing additional damage. The branch remains there to this day, adding to the obstruction.
A Life of Service, A Plea for Dignity
Having served two tenures in the RAF—from 2008 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2020—Pushpalata had hoped for a peaceful retirement. She currently works as a security guard at Ghaghidih Central Jail, but a significant portion of her earnings now goes towards cleaning and maintenance due to the persistent fly ash. “I have to regularly hire labourers just to keep my home and garden habitable. It’s not just costly—it’s exhausting.”
A Final Appeal for Justice
Pushpalata has issued a heartfelt appeal to senior RAF officials to address the issue urgently. “This isn’t just about property damage—it’s about dignity. I dedicated years of my life to the force. All I ask for is a clean and safe place to live,” she said.