Risk of silicosis among Indian mine workers

Source: The post risk of silicosis among Indian mine workers has been created, based on the article “Silica scars: On India’s silicosis problem” published in “The Hindu” on 7th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2

Context: The article discusses the severe risk of silicosis among Indian mine workers exposed to silica dust. It highlights government inaction, poor enforcement of safety laws, misdiagnoses, and the exploitation of workers in low-literacy, resource-dependent mining regions.

What is Silicosis and Why is it a Concern?

1. Silicosis is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling microscopic silica dust particles found in sand and stone.
2. It occurs when silica particles lodge in the lungs, impairing their normal function. The risk is age-agnostic but depends on exposure duration. Once developed, it is irreversible and life-threatening.
3. A 1999 report by the Indian Council of Medical Research estimated over 8 million Indians were highly exposed to silica dust. This number has likely increased due to expanded mining activities to meet India’s growth aspirations.
4. Workers often delay seeking medical help until the disease becomes critical.
5. Health-care providers frequently misdiagnose silicosis as tuberculosis, further worsening the problem.
6. Silicosis exemplifies poor enforcement of worker safety laws, especially in resource-dependent regions with limited health-care access.

What Actions Has the National Green Tribunal Taken?

1. On November 29, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Central Pollution Control Board to create new guidelines for silica mining and washing plants.
2. The Uttar Pradesh government was also instructed to establish health-care facilities near silica mines.
3. These steps aim to reduce health risks and provide medical support for affected workers.

What Does the Law Say About Worker Safety?

1. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 requires mine operators to:

• Notify authorities about workplace threats and cases of silicosis.
• Provide free annual health check-ups for workers.

2. However, mine operators often fail to report cases, preventing authorities from tracking workplace practices. States also do not collect this data independently.

What is the Broader Context of This Issue?

1. Mining regions, often with low literacy and health-care coverage, rely heavily on mining for income.
2. This dependency compels workers to endure poor conditions without seeking help, exacerbating the health crisis.
3. The state’s lack of proactive measures contrasts with India’s active climate justice advocacy internationally.

Question for practice:

Examine how government inaction and poor enforcement of safety laws contribute to the prevalence of silicosis among Indian mine workers.