Soro: Stone industry of Rajasthan and Gujarat is turning into killing fields for scores of people from Soro area of Balasore who have been working in stone units in the two states. Sources allege that majority of those employed in stone industry in Rajasthan and Gujarat are suffering from serious pulmonary diseases due to unsafe working conditions. The workers employed in stone industry are reportedly not provided with any safety devices to prevent them from inhaling fine dust particles, leading to throat and lung diseases, including the killer disease TB.
Manay stone artisans from Kesharipur, Bagudi, Mahumuhan, Gobndapur, Gopinathpur, Baulagadia and Manitiri villages near Debagiri hill are working in stone industry in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Sanjay Parida(28), son of Damodar Parida of Kesharipur in Soro, was afflicted with TB primarily caused by dust particles. He was under treatment at Manipal hospital in Bangalore for three months. Locals said that dust particles were removed from his stomach. After his return from Bangalore he was again admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, but died recently. A few days ago, Babu Parida of Baulagadia was working in red stone quarry in Rajastan. He had died for the same reason.
Four months ago, stone artisan Uttam Behera from Kesharipur died of similar disease after years of working in Rajastan.
Reports said, two stone artisans from Kesharipur, three from Bauldagadia and one Gobindapur were affected by same disease caused by stone dusts.
Another stone artisan form Soro is said to have died for the same reason. In the last one month, four stone artisans from Soro area have died after working in red stone quarry. This has spread panic among the families of stone artisans working in Rajastan stone quarries. Besides, five to six persons in the area, affected by the same disease, have been battling for their lives, it was learnt.
Reports said, stone artisans are lured to work in Rajastan and Gujarant stone sector on the promise of grand wages.
They are, however, reportedly not provided with any safety equipment at the work.
Two people from Kesharipur and three from Baulagadia are affected by diseases caused due to dust particles and are under treatment.
PNN
