Rajasthan is one of the rich mineral states of India. About sixty-four different kinds of metallic and non-metallic minerals, ores and deposits are available in the state. As a result various forms of mining activity are the second most employment generator in the state after agriculture. According to an estimate, over 3.1 million workers (most of them are tribal and dalits, economically and socially weaker section of the society) are engaged in the mining activity. Most of these workers work in sub-standard working condition without any standard wages, insurance and health facilities. So, unhealthy work conditions leads to occupational hazards and chronic diseases among the mining workers in the state [1] Looking at their apathy many organizations started advocacy to get their rights. Trade unions for example; New Trade Union Initiative (NTUI) and NGOs for example Mine Labour Protection Campaign (or MLPC) to name a few are vocal on the causes of Rajasthan Mining workers. They raised their issues in various platforms time to time. In 2007, many cases of silicosis were reported in Jodhpur. Thanks to the demand from the protesting organizations, National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) conducted tests for silicosis on 164 people from Jhadole and Devgarh villages. Even with the pressing demands from various corners, the report was not made public even after an RTI (Right to Information) application [5]. In 2011, the affected workers along their families started dharna (sit in protest) before the sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in Jhadole, Udaipur. They demanded the medical reports conducted by NIOH. They pressed this demand because if the medical reports state that are suffering from silicosis, it will entitle them free medical treatment, compensation and other facilities according to the Supreme Court laid down norms. The SDM assured them that he will look into the matter [5]. A complaint was lodged by New Trade Union Initiative (NTUI) with the National Human Rights Commission. They claimed that more than 40,000 workers were employed in about 7,000 sand stone quarries in Jodhpur. Most of the workers are without any facilities. They want recognition, compensation, medical facilities as stated in ‘Workman Compensation Act’ [5]. (See less) |
Miners of one of the Indian richest states in minerals suffering from lung diseases due poor healthy conditions
Rajasthan is one of the rich mineral states of India. |
| Name of conflict: | Silicosis victims of stone quarries in Rajasthan, India |
| Country: | India |
| State or province: | Rajasthan |
| Location of conflict: | Village - Jhadol and Deogarh ; District-Jodhpur |
| Accuracy of location | MEDIUM (Regional level) |
| Type of conflict. 1st level: | Mineral Ores and Building Materials Extraction |
| Type of conflict. 2nd level: | Mineral ore exploration Tailings from mines Mineral processing Building materials extraction (quarries, sand, gravel) |
| Specific commodities: | Sand, gravel |
| Project details | Rajasthan, the largest state of India is very mineral rich state. Most of the mineral deposits in the state are concentrated in and around the Aravali range. So, the mining activities are mainly concentrated in and around these areas. As per the official records there are 33,199 mines of varying sizes that occupy approximately 4 lakh hectares of land in the state. Although, the state has vast potential of mining activity, it is not much of government control and most of the mining activity is done through unorganized sector. Most of the mining is controlled by medium and small mine owners and contractors. Most of the time they do not stick to the government prescribed laid down rules and regulations. Lacks of inadequate monitoring mechanisms have led to unethical mining practices. In the long run it causes environmental damage and severe effect to human health [1]. |
| Project area: | 4,000,000 |
| Type of population | Rural |
| Affected Population: | 40,000-50,000 |
| Start of the conflict: | 2007 |
| Relevant government actors: | National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Government of Rajasthan Rajasthan Pollution Control Board National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) |
| Environmental justice organizations (and other supporters) and their websites, if available: | Silicosis Sangarsh Samiti, New Trade Union Initiative (NTUI) Mine Labour Protection Campaign (or MLPC) Rajasthan Rajya Khan Majdoor Union |
| Intensity | MEDIUM (street protests, visible mobilization) |
| Reaction stage | Mobilization for reparations once impacts have been felt |
| Groups mobilizing: | Artisanal miners Farmers Indigenous groups or traditional communities Industrial workers Informal workers Local ejos Landless peasants Local government/political parties Neighbours/citizens/communities Social movements Women |
| Forms of mobilization: | Blockades Development of a network/collective action Official complaint letters and petitions Public campaigns Street protest/marches Strikes |
| Environmental Impacts | Visible: Air pollution, Mine tailing spills, Soil contamination, Groundwater pollution or depletion Potential: Loss of landscape/aesthetic degradation |
| Health Impacts | Visible: Accidents, Infectious diseases, Deaths, Other environmental related diseases, Exposure to unknown or uncertain complex risks (radiation, etc…) |
| Other Health impacts | Silicosis |
| Socio-economical Impacts | Visible: Specific impacts on women, Loss of landscape/sense of place Potential: Displacement, Loss of livelihood, Land dispossession, Loss of traditional knowledge/practices/cultures |
| Project Status | In operation |
| Conflict outcome / response: | Corruption Court decision (victory for environmental justice) New legislation Strengthening of participation |
| Do you consider this an environmental justice success? Was environmental justice served?: | Not Sure |
| Briefly explain: | The mining is Rajasthan is characterized by a high level of informal or unorganized employment. Although the Supreme Court has dictate a clear ruling to stick to the mining norms, many of the small and medium mine owners and contractors do not stick to the safety and environmentally friendly standards at the mines. Their priority is to get more profits rather than the workers’ safety. The miners work long hours and face accidents during their works and many of them are not reported. The owners also do not maintain the records of workers so they cannot even claim compensations. Overall, corruptions in many forms are very much prevalent among mining industry in Rajasthan [2]. The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) has fixed a compensation of Rs 3 lakh in the cases of silicosis victims in Rajasthan. It has directed to pay to the kin of the worker who died out of Silicosis. NHRC thinks that state is responsible for the violation of the human rights so, it is state’s responsibility to pay compensation to the victims [3]. In April 2011 Rajasthan Government allocated about Rs 25.60 crore for medical and other facilities for silicosis affected workers and their families. With the pressure from various corners, perhaps this is the first time that a State government has been forced to pay compensation to informal workers for occupational health hazard. The struggle for the workers had been led by Silicosis Sangarsh Samiti, a platform of workers affected by silicosis and their families along with the Rajasthan Rajya Khan Mazdoor Union, an affiliate of the New Trade Union Initiative NTUI [5]. |
| Juridical relevant texts related to the conflict (laws, legislations, EIAs, etc) |
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| References to published books, academic articles, movies or published documentaries |
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| Contributor: | Swapan Kumar Patra |
| Last update | 18/08/2019 |
| Conflict ID: | 1791 |