People in Kodiyathur and Karassery develop diseases including asthma and bronchitis
People in Kodiyathur and Karassery develop diseases including asthma and bronchitis
Demands by environmental organizations and activists to conduct a comprehensive study of the suspected increase of various respiratory diseases in people living near granite mines and crushers in upland areas have fallen on deaf ears. Despite serious comments made by some pulmonologists after examining the case history of such patients, the issue has not been taken up by the district administration or the health department yet.
Most of the suspected cases are in Kodiyathur and Karasseri panchayats, where environmental organizations are against large-scale quarrying. Officials of the Peruvampoyal Nature Conservation Committee, which first brought to light the magnitude of the health issue, point out that people diagnosed with other chronic diseases are suffering greatly due to new respiratory ailments.
The victims mostly include senior citizens, pregnant women and newborn babies. There are many who have stopped medicine after long months of treatment as the situation around them remains unchanged due to the perceived apathy of the authorities. Apart from respiratory tract infections, various skin diseases have also been reported in some villagers due to frequent exposure to mine dust.
A senior leader of the Nature Conservation Committee of the area points out that the specific health problem posed by mine dust is not yet a matter of concern for the authorities as they treat entire complaints under the single tag of environmental issues. If any of them visit the affected persons and their families, they will understand the magnitude of the agony, he added.
Area activists say that even a panchayat-level medical camp would be enough to highlight the magnitude of the issue. There are many suspected cases in which people suffer from rhinitis, allergies, symptoms of irritation in the eyes, asthma and bronchitis. They point out that the shortness of breath associated with chronic cough and shortness of breath is also increasing.
Large areas of coarse grazing in the foothills of Mysoremala are also under the influence of dust bombs, where dairy farmers have limited option of growing pure grass to feed their livestock. Several acres are covered with fine particles of quarry dust that inhibit the natural growth of plants. The same is the case with many dug wells and other potable water sources.
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