The steel city has witnessed a spate of suicides with as many as 29 people ending their lives last month.

And so far, 11 persons have allegedly committed suicide this month.

According to statistics provided by Jeevan, a Bistupur-based suicide prevention centre, 29 people (20 men and 9 women) committed suicide in August.

“In most of the cases, people committed suicide by hanging. The Covid-19 cases in Jamshedpur are having a negative impact on the psyche of citizens who are stressed and frustrated,” said Jeevan director Jeoraj Jain.

Speaking to The Telegraph Online, Jain said a majority of the people who committed suicide last month were in the 40-45 years age group. “This shows young people are no longer happy with their lives due to various reasons, including job loss and financial crisis. It is not a very good signal,” he explained.

According to Jain, the centre was trying its best to counsel people about the futility of committing suicide but the efforts seem not to be proving enough. “The number of distress calls to our volunteers has increased ever since the district administration publicised our telephone numbers in the city. People started calling for much-needed counselling. However, there is no stopping people from ending their lives,” he said.

Volunteers of Jeevan are receiving 20-25 calls daily. A majority of calls are related to job loss, financial problems and closure of business establishments.

Jain said Jeevan and Inner Wheel Club of Jamshedpur had organised a webinar on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday. “East Singhbhum deputy commissioner Suraj Kumar was the chief guest on the occasion, who expressed concern on the rise in suicide cases in the city. He appreciated our efforts and also assured all support,” Jain added.

According to a Jeevan volunteer, people are stressed after being forced to stay indoors in view of the pandemic. “Job loss and the closure of educational institutions are driving people into depression. Young people have called us to inform us that they are at their wits end after losing their job. They are not finding any other jobs,” he added.

Jeevan volunteers are available at 9297777499, 9297777500 (only call), 9955377500, 9955435500 (call or WhatsApp).