CPCB directs WBPCB to submit report after PMO prod on silicosis in Burdwan
The Statesman | 5 September 2025Earlier, local BJP leader Abhijit Roy had lodged a complaint on the Prime Minister’s Office Public Grievance (PMOPG) Cell website regarding the increasing number of silicosis cases and deaths of stone factory workers in Salanpur block over the past year.
In his online complaint, Roy urged the closure of factories spreading silicosis and causing the deaths of labourers. He also called for proper compensation and free medical treatment for victims and their families.
Reports indicate there has been no regular health check-up of workers employed in silica manufacturing units in Salanpur Block, while pollution levels continue to worsen.
Hundreds of residents of Barabhui village in Salanpur are reported to be suffering from silicosis. Following intervention by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of West Burdwan sent a medical team to the village and set up a medical board to identify patients at Asansol District Hospital.
The NHRC had acted on a complaint filed by activist Amarnath Mahato and directed district magistrate S Ponnambalam to investigate the matter and submit reports to New Delhi. An ADM was sent to the site, followed by a series of review meetings.
Meanwhile, two more silicosis patients have died. So far, at least four to five people in Salanpur have lost their lives to the disease. One victim, misdiagnosed earlier, was later correctly identified at a private super-speciality hospital in Chennai and treated in Durgapur before succumbing.
A joint inspection team from West Burdwan has since visited the affected villages and silica factories. The state government has announced compensation plans for the families of victims, including educational support for children.
Workers in stone-crushing units remain exposed to hazardous quartz dust, with most factories failing to follow safety protocols or pollution control norms. Prolonged exposure is damaging lung function and leading to the fatal disease.
