The Saharia tribe miners of Madhya Pradesh have petitioned the government to provide treatment for silicosis, a lung disease prevalent among miners. This plea follows a similar demand by the Rajasthan sandstone mining industry for upgraded work conditions in mining and quarrying areas. Silicosis, triggered by exposure to dust containing crystalline silica, has claimed numerous lives in these regions’ mining villages, often referred to as “widow villages.” Many miners lack identification and are unable to leave thumb impressions on documents due to eroded fingerprints.
Silicosis: An Occupational Hazard
Among the major occupational health issues globally, silicosis holds a significant position. Prolonged inhalation of silica results in this progressive lung disease, which is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, fever, and bluish skin. With its potential for causing permanent physical disability, silicosis remains an incurable disease.
Silicosis is primarily seen among individuals engaged in the construction, manufacturing, and quarrying industries. Silica, a crystal-like mineral found abundantly in sand, rock, and quartz, is the main culprit behind this condition. Although it is odorless and non-irritant, prolonged exposure to large quantities of free silica can lead to silicosis and other serious health conditions.
Diagnosis of silicosis remains a challenge, primarily because it shares many symptoms with tuberculosis. The nodules, which take up to two decades to become visible in chest x-rays, are the primary indicators of this disease.
Government Actions Against Silicosis
With over 10 million workers at risk of silicosis, the Indian Government has taken several steps to combat this issue. Both the Factories Act and Employees Compensation Act acknowledge silicosis as an occupational disease, requiring employers to compensate affected workers.
Despite these measures, silicosis remains prevalent in several Indian states among construction and mining workers. The Factory Act mandates requirements such as a well-ventilated work environment, dust protection, reduced overcrowding, and basic occupational healthcare to prevent the disease’s spread.
| State | Prevalence Among Workers |
|---|---|
| Gujarat, Rajasthan, Pondicherry, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, | High |
| Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal | Moderate |
Silicosis was declared a notified disease under the Mines Act (1952) and the Factories Act (1948).
The Saharia Tribe
The majority of the Saharia tribe, also known as Sor, resides in Madhya Pradesh, with some settlements found in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and the Plains division of Assam. They communicate using the Munda language, part of the Austro-Asiatic language family.
The tribe is divided into five sub-tribes according to occupation: The Arsi are weavers, the Muli are ironworkers, the Kindal produce baskets, and the Kumbi are potters.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024