Because coal mines are so harmful to human health, there is a pressing social issue at hand. There is pressure for pollution officials to clean up the river for the sake of the environment and the people dependent upon the rivers for drinking water. Unfortunately, actually cleaning up the Damodar River is put on the back burner, since false information is produced due to monetary bribes. Scientists in charge of tracking pollution levels alter calculations in order to downplay the crisis in return for favors or money. Politicians pay these bribes, since job creation through pollutant-producing industry is prioritized.