Jadugora

Etymology

The name "Jadugora" or "Jadugoda" has been derived from the word "Jadagoda", which means 'land of elephants is a local tribal language.It is said that there was a time when this was home to many Asian elephants.But with time as many mines and factories were established, they moved to denser forests due to loss of habitat.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Jadugora had a population of 19,003. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Jadugora has an average literacy rate of 72%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 80%, and female literacy is 63%. In Jadugora, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Jadugoda is blessed with diverse flora and fauna and rich tribal culture.The place is also home to some indigenous major tribes like the santhals, Gonds, mundas and hill kharia .The place is surrounded by hills and rivers.Many species of birds, reptiles and animals are found here.The culture of Jadugoda is very influenced by the culture of West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar, which are the neighbouring states of Jharkhand.The major festivals celebrated here are Durga Puja, Diwali, chhath and Tusu Parva, which as a local tribal festival.

Tourist Attractions

Rankini Temple is a famous temple located on the road side of state highway connecting Jadugoda to Tiring and it is just 2km from Jadugoda market square.This temple is dedicated to Maa Rankini.Large numbers of devotees can be seen at this temple from nearby places including Jamshedpur city.According to a legend, a local tribal spotted a tribal girl taking the form of Devi to kill a demon.When he tried to follow the girl she disappeared into the woods.In the same night Devi appeared in his dreams and directed him to build a temple at the same place.

Another beautiful place to visit is Galudi Bridge, which is around 5km from UCIL colony towards Musabani.This bridge is the largest bridge/stop dam on Subernarekha river.River Gudru, which is an important tributary of Subernarekha meets with it here. As per tradition, gold was mined near the origin of the river at a village named piska near Ranchi. This is why it was named Subarnarekha, meaning "streak of gold". Legend has it that traces of gold were found in the river bed. Even now, people look for traces of gold particles in its sandy beds. The name is a combination of two words meaning gold and line/ streak in Indian languages.

UCIL Residential colony is very close to small hills which provides good adventure and sight seeing opportunity to the residents and visitors.Aam Jharna is located just opposite of the UCIL residential colony.This place is known for its scenic beauty.It is a very good picnic spot in Jadugoda.

There are many abandon open cast copper mines nearby which have become a place of adventure for youngsters to explore.Many ghost stories have been associated with these places and the same have been busted by school students.The place most famous among local people is Jobla Pahad.

Uranium Mines at Jadugoda & Narwapahar

Jadugora or Jadugoda is the headquarters of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (A Govt of India Enterprise). It was established in the late 1960s due to presence of rich ore of Uranium. The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) recently completed its project of uranium Mining and Mill at Narwapahar, Jharkhand. Adequate resources of uranium have been identified to meet the requirements of India's nuclear power program. The uranium deposit at Jaduguda, Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, has been under exploitation since 1962. The uranium deposits at Bhatin and Narwapahar are currently being exploited. Ore from the three deposits is treated in a mill at Jaduguda in the Singhbhum region, and the yield is 300 tons of uranium per year, which is more than sufficient to meet expected requirements for years. The Narwapahar mine, 12 km north west of Jaduguda, is one of the most modern mines in the country. The new uranium mine, Narwapahar Mine, was built with Russian technology. Trackless mining equipment are in use for the first time in the country. Mine development progress rates of over 300 meters per month have been achieved and the underground output per man shift is 1.9 tonnes, which is considered to be best in the country. The Narwapahar mine is worked by a decline and a vertical shaft. The decline has the advantage that heavy equipment can be lowered to the working area without dismantling. The shaft is used for hoisting ore and movement of personnel.