The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Friday sought an action-taken report (ATR) from the Keonjhar district Collector over the death of around 50 persons in lung disease in last two years due to illegal limestone mining within four weeks.
According to petitioner Human Rights Watch secretary Sangita Swain, around 50 persons of Madarangajodi village in Keonjhar district who were working as labourers in various limestone factories had died in lung disease in last two years.
Mentioning that the Madarangajodi village is now called as a ‘widow’ village due to death of male persons, the petitioner alleged that due to district and State administration’s negligence the limestone factories are operating without fulfilling basic safety and guidelines thereby killing innocent villagers.
The complainant alleged that one Daburi Khuntia was also died recently due to lung infection. She urged the commission to take action against the concerned public authorities and mining mafias, besides ensuring an ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakh to the kin of the deceased persons.
