New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of a complaint alleging that over 50,000 people die every year due to asbestos-related cancer in India and asked all state governments including Delhi to submit their reports on the issue.
The complainant Gopal Krishna of Toxics Watch Alliance has alleged that though mining of asbestos has been technically banned by the government, but it allows its import and that too from countries which do not prefer its domestic use. The complainant has sought NHRC’s intervention for a ban on the use of white asbestos. It is a fibrous material used for building roofs and walls.
Delhi government in its report has said there are three factories in the capital that require handling of asbestos. It said the government maintains health records of all workers at these factories.
Courtesy: TNN
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